[Effect of hnRNP K and its interaction with HPV16 on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia]

Objective: To investigate the effect of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) and its interaction with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: The participants included 67 women with normal cervix (NC), 69 women with CINⅠ and 68 women with CINⅡ/Ⅲ in a community cohort of pathologically diagnosed women established in Jiexiu of Shanxi province, from June 2014 to June 2015. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data of the subjects and the related factors of cervical lesions. Cervical exfoliated cells and cervical tissues from biopsy or surgery were selected. The infection status of HPV16 was detected by flow-through hybridization. The protein expression levels of hnRNP K were evaluated by Western blot. SPSS 23.0 software was used to collate and analyze the data. To study the differences in demographic characteristics, related factors, hnRNP K protein and HPV16 infection among NC, CINⅠand CINⅡ/Ⅲgroups, χ(2) test, trend χ(2) test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were conducted. Multiple comparisons of hnRNP K protein in three groups were completed by using the Bonferroni method. The OR and its 95%CI of hnRNP K, HPV16 and CIN were calculated by using the unconditional logistic regression models. Two-way interactions between hnRNP K protein and HPV16 infection on CIN were analyzed by using additive model and related indicators. Results: HPV16 infection rates were 10.4% in women with normal cervix, 14.5% in women with CINⅠ and 41.2% in women with CINⅡ/Ⅲ, respectively. The differences among three groups were significant (P<0.001). Moreover, the infection rates of HPV16 gradually increased with the increasing severity of CIN (trend χ(2)=18.512, P<0.001). The differences in protein expression of hnRNP K among three groups were significant (H=48.138, P<0.001) and the expressionincreased with the development of cervical lesionss (trend χ(2)=21.765, P<0.001). Results from the interaction analysis indicated that there were additive effects between high expression of hnRNP K protein and HPV16 in CINⅡ/Ⅲ group compared with normal group (API=0.639, 95%CI: 0.083-1.196). In contrast, no such additive effect was found in CINⅠ group. Conclusions: HPV16 infection and over-expression of hnRNP K protein were associated with the increased risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. There might be interaction between hnRNP K protein overexpression and HPV16 infection existed on the progress of CINⅡ/Ⅲ.

The epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in China from 2004 to 2014: An observational population-based study

Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern in China, but data on national epidemiological characteristics are lacking. We collected reporting incidence data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in China from 2004 to 2014. Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) was performed to accurately describe the reporting incidence trends of HBV and HCV. A mathematical model was used to estimate the relative change in incidence across provinces and age groups. Nationwide, a total of 916 426 hepatitis B cases and 39 381 hepatitis C cases were recorded in 2004; the reporting incidences of HBV and HCV were 70.50/100 000 and 3.03/100 000, respectively. The overall relative changes in HBV and HCV reporting incidences in China from 2004 to 2014 were 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-1.00, P = .082) and 1.16 (95% CI 1.12-1.20, P < .001), respectively. Thirteen provinces experienced decline in HBV reporting incidence. Most provinces exhibited an increasing trend in HCV reporting incidence. People aged ≤24 displayed a significant descending trend in HBV reporting incidence; people aged ≥55 exhibited a significant increasing trend. For HCV infection, the reporting incidence increased in all age groups except the 10-14 age group. In China, the majority of provinces have experienced decline or remained stable in HBV infection but show significant increases in HCV infection. Children and adolescents are well protected from HBV infection, while relatively higher increasing rates are found among older people. HCV is much more prevalent among older people, although its emergence has shifted to younger age groups.

Construction of expression vectors of capsid proteins from goose parvovirus and investigation of the immunogenicity

Goose parvovirus (GPV) is a highly contagious and lethal disease in goslings and Muscovy ducklings, and is of concern to the waterfowl industry. With the aim of comparing the cellular immunogenicity of three capsid proteins of GPV, plasmids of pcDNA3.1(+)-VP1, pcDNA3.1(+)-VP2, and pcDNA3.1(+)-VP3 were constructed, and the recombinant protein VPs were expressed using an eukaryotic expression system. We detected the levels of immune-related genes (CD4, CD8α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNα, IFNγ, and IFNλ) in both goose embryo fibroblasts (GEF) and goose peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cellular models. The immune response conferred by a VP2 DNA vaccine in vivo was observed in a time course. Our data suggested that the cellular immune response to VP2 and VP3 was stronger than that to VP1, while VP2 and VP3 shared similar cellular immune reactivity. In addition, vaccination with VP2 plasmid can induce high level of IgY antibody that continued to increase through 28 days post vaccination. Therefore, our findings shed light on the host cellular immune response against GPV capsid proteins. Keywords: GPV; capsid proteins; cellular immune response; humoral immunity.

Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Polylactic Acid/Polypropylene Spun-Bonded Nonwoven Fabric Slices

Biodegradable spun-bonded non-woven fabric slices of poly lactic acid (PLA)/polypropylene (PP) were prepared by melt blending. The influence of the proportion of raw materials, blending temperature, blending time and rotation speed on the mechanical properties and melt flow properties of the slices were investigated, the influence of the proportion of PLA and PP composite slices on the thermal properties and microstructure was also researched. According to the research results of optimization conditions, the biodegradable spun-bonded non-woven fabric slice of PLA/PP was prepared and its biodegradable performance was evaluated. The results showed that when (m)PLA : (m)PP was 8 : 2, blending temperature was 185 °C, blending time was 4 min and rotation speed was 50 min−1, the melt blending condition of PLA/PP composite slices was optimal. With the increase of PP mass fraction in slices, slices of melt flow rate (MFR) and glass transition temperature (Tg) were on the decline; T−50 %, T−95 % and TP were on the rise; the crystallinity of PLA/PP slices was increased; SEM results showed that the slices had “sea-island” structure. When (m)PLA: (m)PP was 8 : 2, microorganisms on the slices surface were second level of growth after 28 days which showed that the slices has a good biodegradable performance.

[Clinical observation of thyroid-related adverse events induced by anti-PD-1 antibody SHR-1210 in patients with advanced solid tumor]

Objective: To assess the incidence and characteristics of thyroid dysfunction during anti-Programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1) antibody SHR-1210 therapy in patients with advanced solid tumor. Methods: The medical records of 98 patients who initiated SHR-1210 treatment between April 27, 2016 and June 8, 2017 in the phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of SHR-1210 in patients with advanced solid tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Serological tests of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) were measured at baseline and prior to each SHR-1210 administration. Results: A total of 86 patients had normal thyroid function before the first dose of SHR-1210 treatment. Nine out of 86 (10.5%) patients developed new onset hypothyroidism from euthyroid state. 12 patients presented thyroid dysfunction at baseline, 10 of whom were subclinical hypothyroid and 2 were hypothyroidism. Four out of 10 patients developed hypothyroidism from subclinical hypothyroid. Most patients with hypothyroidism were asymptomatic. Thyroid dysfunction occurred early (median, 55days) after the initiation of SHR-1210. The severity of hypothyroidism were all grade 1-2. No grade 3-4 hypothyroidism occurred. No patients discontinue the treatment of SHR-1210 due to clinical impact of the thyroid dysfunctions. Conclusions: Thyroid-related adverse events were common during anti-PD-1 antibody SHR-1210 treatment . The incidence of hypothyroidism is lower in patients with euthyroid state than in patients with thyroid dysfunction at baseline during SHR-1210 treatment . Thyroid function can be improved after thyroid hormone replacement. During SHR-1210 treatment, it is necessary to pay attention to monitor the thyroid function, especially in the patients with thyroid dysfunction at baseline. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, 2016L01455.

Collagen triple helix repeat containing-1: a novel biomarker associated with disease activity in Systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to investigate whether the aberrant expression of collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) could contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus.

METHODS

We divided SLE patients into active groups (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score ≥ 6) and inactive groups (SLEDAI score < 6). Serum concentrations of CTHRC1, interferon alpha, interleukin (IL)-28A and IL-28B were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a group of 40 patients with SLE. Results were compared with those from 23 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Serum CTHRC1 protein levels were higher in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls. Patients with active disease displayed higher CTHRC1 levels compared with those with inactive disease as well. There was a positive association between serum CTHRC1 levels and SLEDAI and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a negative correlation with complement 3 and 4. Moreover, serum CTHRC1 levels were higher in SLE patients with arthritis and anemia compared with patients without the above-mentioned manifestations.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate CTHRC1 probably plays an important part in the pathogenesis of SLE, and is positively associated with disease activity, while it also likely refers to the development of arthritis and anemia in SLE. Therefore, CTHRC1 may provide a novel research target and shed new light on the pathogenesis and therapy of SLE.

Low-p_{T} e^{+}e^{-} Pair Production in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV and U+U Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193 GeV at STAR

We report first measurements of e^{+}e^{-} pair production in the mass region 0.4<M_{ee}<2.6  GeV/c^{2} at low transverse momentum (p_{T}<0.15  GeV/c) in noncentral Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and U+U collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV. Significant enhancement factors, expressed as ratios of data over known hadronic contributions, are observed in the 40%-80% centrality of these collisions. The excess yields peak distinctly at low p_{T} with a width (sqrt[⟨p_{T}^{2}⟩]) between 40 and 60  MeV/c. The absolute cross section of the excess depends weakly on centrality, while those from a theoretical model calculation incorporating an in-medium broadened ρ spectral function and radiation from a quark gluon plasma or hadronic cocktail contributions increase dramatically with an increasing number of participant nucleons. Model calculations of photon-photon interactions generated by the initial projectile and target nuclei describe the observed excess yields but fail to reproduce the p_{T}^{2} distributions.

MiR-589-5p is a potential prognostic marker of hepatocellular carcinoma and regulates tumor cell growth by targeting MIG-6

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs approximately with 22 nucleotides. Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs are involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Some recent investigations have also reported that several microRNAs could act as biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. MicroRNA-589-5p (miR-589-5p) is a less studied microRNA, in this study, we explored its roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed miR-589-5p expression in HCC tissues by sequencing data and proved the expression in liver cancer cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). We studied the effect of miR-589-5p on the growth of liver cancer cells by MTT assay, colony formation and flow cytometry, and identified its target gene by luciferase reporter assay. We found that miR-589-5p was commonly overexpressed in HCC specimens. High expression of miR-589-5p was a risk factor for HCC patient (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.434; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.006-2.044; p = 0.046). We also found miR-589-5p had higher expression in hepatocarcinoma cell lines HepG2 and HuH-7 than did in normal hepatocyte Lo-2. We identified that suppression of miR-589-5p inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by loss-of-function studies. Furthermore, we found mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG-6) to be a target of miR-589-5p. Our study demonstrated that miR-589-5p facilitated the growth of liver cancer cells by targeting MIG-6 and could be a prognosis biomarker for HCC. Suppression of miR-589-5p may be a feasible approach for inhibiting HCC progress.

[Relationship between UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms and irinotecan-induced severe adverse events]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*60 and UGT1A1*93 polymorphisms and irinotecan-induced severe adverse reactions(grade 3-4 delayed diarrhea and neutropenia) in Chinese cancer patients. Methods: A total of 141 cancer patients treated with irinotecan were enrolled in this study. Peripheral venous blood was collected and genomic DNA was extracted. The genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*60 and UGT1A1*93 were analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing. The adverse reactions during chemotherapy were observed and recorded. The incidence of severe adverse reactions was compared among patients with different genotypes. Results: Among 141 patients, the cases with UGT1A1*6 GG, GA and AA genotypes were 71, 54 and 16, while those with UGT1A1*28 TA6/6, TA6/7 and TA7/7 genotypes were 105, 33 and 3, respectively. The cases with UGT1A1*60 AA, AC and CC genotypes were 52, 80 and 9, while those with UGT1A1*93 GG, GA and AA genotypes were 105, 32 and 4, respectively. The patients with grade 3-4 delayed diarrhea and neutropenia were 23 and 56, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*60 genetic polymorphisms were independent factors influencing the occurrence of grade 3-4 delayed diarrhea. The risk of grade 3-4 delayed diarrhea in homozygous AA carriers of UGT1A1*6 increased 3.79 times compared with that in wild-type GG carriers (95%CI: 1.35-10.67). Moreover, the risk of grade 3-4 delayed diarrhea in homozygous CC carriers of UGT1A1*60 was 20.42 times compared with that in wild-type AA carriers (95%CI: 3.52-118.33). In addition, UGT1A1*28 genetic polymorphism was an independent factor of the occurrence of grade 3-4 neutropenia. The patients with homozygous TA7/7 carriers of UGT1A1*28 had an 1.61 times higher risk of grade 3-4 neutropenia compared with those with wild-type TA6/6 carriers (95%CI: 1.44-12.65). There was no correlation between UGT1A1*93 genetic polymorphism and severe adverse reactions caused by irinotecan. Conclusion: The cancer patients who carried UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*28 and UGT1A1*60 gene polymorphisms have high risk of severe adverse events caused by irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

Anomalously low dielectric constant of confined water

The dielectric constant ε of interfacial water has been predicted to be smaller than that of bulk water (ε ≈ 80) because the rotational freedom of water dipoles is expected to decrease near surfaces, yet experimental evidence is lacking. We report local capacitance measurements for water confined between two atomically flat walls separated by various distances down to 1 nanometer. Our experiments reveal the presence of an interfacial layer with vanishingly small polarization such that its out-of-plane ε is only ~2. The electrically dead layer is found to be two to three molecules thick. These results provide much-needed feedback for theories describing water-mediated surface interactions and the behavior of interfacial water, and show a way to investigate the dielectric properties of other fluids and solids under extreme confinement.

Beam Energy Dependence of Jet-Quenching Effects in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27, 39, and 62.4 GeV

We report measurements of the nuclear modification factor R_{CP} for charged hadrons as well as identified π^{+(-)}, K^{+(-)}, and p(p[over ¯]) for Au+Au collision energies of sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27, 39, and 62.4 GeV. We observe a clear high-p_{T} net suppression in central collisions at 62.4 GeV for charged hadrons which evolves smoothly to a large net enhancement at lower energies. This trend is driven by the evolution of the pion spectra but is also very similar for the kaon spectra. While the magnitude of the proton R_{CP} at high p_{T} does depend on the collision energy, neither the proton nor the antiproton R_{CP} at high p_{T} exhibit net suppression at any energy. A study of how the binary collision-scaled high-p_{T} yield evolves with centrality reveals a nonmonotonic shape that is consistent with the idea that jet quenching is increasing faster than the combined phenomena that lead to enhancement.

[Analysis of four carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency cases caused by homozygous mutation of SLC25A20 c.199-10T> G]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, biochemical and genetic features of four carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency cases. Methods: Four cases diagnosed with carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency from Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital were studied. DNA was extracted from dry blood filter for gene analysis. SLC25A20 gene analysis was performed in 1 case and the whole exon sequence analysis was performed in 3 cases. Results: Retrospective study on unrelated carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency patients, the age of onset was 1-28 d, the age of death were 1.5-30 d, main clinical features were hypoglycemia (4 cases), arrhythmia (2 cases), sudden death (2 cases). Biochemical test showed hypoglycemia (1.2-2.0 mmol/L) , elevated creatine kinase (955-8 361 U/L) and creatine kinase isozyme(199-360 U/L), normal or decreased free carnitine level (3.70-27.07 μmol/L) , elevated long-chain acylcarnitine (palmityl carnitine 1.85-14.84 μmol/L). The gene tests showed that all 4 cases carried SLC25A20 gene c.199-10T> G homozygous mutation, inherited from their parents. By analyzing the haplotype, we found that the mutation loci of C. 199-10T> G were all in the same haplotype. Conclusion: The c.199-10T> G mutation is an important molecular cause of carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency, which has relatively high frequency in Guangxi population, and is related to the founder effect.

[The role of estrogen related-receptor γ and ATP-dependent K(+) channel Kcnj1 in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between estrogen related-receptorγ (ERRγ) and ATP-dependent K(+) channel Kcnj1 in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and its possible role in regulating ischemic preconditioning. Methods: The expression of ERRγ in kidney tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of ERRγ and Kcnj1 in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) under hypoxia (1% O(2)) were detected by RT-PCR. The ERRγ-deficient heterozygous mice model and the ERRγ-deficient completely mice model were established. The pretreatedischemia-reperfusion model were constructed in wild-type mice, ERRγ-deficient heterozygous mice and ERRγ-deficient completely mice, respectively. Renal injury was observed under a light microscope with PAS staining. ERRγ and Kcnj1 were tested by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Results: ERRγ in mice kidney tissue was mainly expressed in renal tubules, and the expressions of ERRγ and Kcnj1 were decreased 59% and 29.5% respectively after hypoxia in the renal tubular cells (HK-2). In the animal model, the expressions of ERRγ and Kcnj1 were decreased 31.9% and 11% in early ischemic mice kidney tubular cells of wild type. The expressions of ERRγ and Kcnj1 in renal tubular cells were decreased 33.2% and 19.1% after ischemia and reperfusion. When ERRγ were overexpressed in renal tubular cells, ERRγ was increased by 89%, and the expression of Kcnj1 was increased by 72.5%. The expression of Kcnj1 was decreased by 75.7% in ERRγ-deficient completely mice. However, Kcnj1 expression in renal tissue of ERR-γ-deficient mice was stable, but ischemic preconditioning failed to interfere with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusion: ERRγ-Kcnj1 is closely related to ischemic preconditioning and protects renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and may be one of the regulatory factors. To explore the protective effect of the regulating pathway on ischemia reperfusion injury couldprovide a theoretical basis for the development of drug pretreatment.

[Efficacy and safety of linezolid among patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia]

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of linezolid for the treatment of patients with bacteremia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods: Totally 52 cases of MRSA bacteremia patients, from January 2010 to April 2014 in the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, were retrospectively analyzed. They were classified into two groups based on linezolid therapeutic regimen: primary treatment with linezolid (19 cases) and alternated to linezolid (33 cases). The following data were collected and compared: clinical characteristics, lasting time of fever, bacterial clearance rate, clinical efficacy, fatality rate, and adverse events. Results: Forty three of the 52 patients (82.7%) suffered complicated MRSA bacteremia. The most common clinical feature was fever[86.5%(45/52)]. Linezolid was initiatively used mostly because of renal insufficiency[68.4%(13/19)]. In the other 33 patient, glycopeptides were initiatively used, then alternated to linezolid because of persistent fever[69.7%(23/33)]; damage of kidney function during treatment period of glycopeptides[12.1%(4/33)]; occurrence of new infectious site related to MRSA[18.2%(6/33)]. The clinical efficacy were 78.9%(15/19) in the group of primary treatment with linezolid and 81.8% (27/33) in the group of alternated to linezolid, persistent time of fever were 4(3, 15) d and 12(5, 24) d, mortality during 28 d period were 15.8% (3/19) and 9.1% (3/33), adverse rate were 15.8% (3/19) and 12.1% (4/33) in these two groups, respectively (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Linezolid is an option with high clinical efficacy and good safety for MRSA bacteremia patients.

Laboratory comparison of two Aphelinus mali clades for control of woolly apple aphid from Hebei Province, China

Aphelinus mali (Haldeman) is an effective natural enemy of woolly apple aphid (WAA), Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann). Previous studies have found that, with WAA from Shandong Province (Qingdao) as the host, there are significant differences in various biological characteristics between a Shandong clade and Liaoning clade of A. mali. The ability of the Shandong clade to control this aphid was significantly higher than that of the Liaoning clade in Shandong Province. In order to determine whether differences were caused by better adaptation of the Shandong parasitoid clade to the population of the host in that province or if it represents a more general fitness of this clade to control the host regardless of location, we compared the same parasitoid clades with hosts from Hebei Province. We found no significant differences in the developmental threshold temperature, effective accumulated temperature, fecundity, longevity, and oviposition period of the two clades, but the duration of host searching of the Shandong clade was significantly longer than that of the Liaoning clade. The instantaneous attack rate, the control ability (a/Th), the search parameter (Q) of the Shandong clade (0.0946, 0.543, 0.0725) of A. mali were higher than that of the Liaoning clade (0.0713, 0.382, 0.0381), and therefore, with WAA from Hebei Province as the host, the host adaptability of the Shandong clade of A. mali was not worse than that of the Liaoning clade, while the pest control ability of the Shandong clade was still greater than that of the Liaoning clade.

The duck enteritis virus early protein, UL13, found in both nucleus and cytoplasm, influences viral replication in cell culture

The UL13 protein of the duck enteritis virus (DEV), predicted to encode a Ser/Thr protein kinase, belongs to the family of conserved herpesvirus protein kinases (CHPK), which plays an important role in herpesvirus proliferation. In this study, truncated UL13 was expressed as a fusion protein of approximately 44 kDa using a prokaryotic expression system, and this protein was used to generate a specific anti-UL13 antibody. This antibody detected UL13 starting at 4 h post infection in duck embryonic fibroblast cells and identified UL13 to be present in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. UL13 RNA was found to be transcribed starting at 2 h post infection, and the synthesis of the UL13 mRNA was found to be sensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) and tolerant of the DNA polymerase inhibitor ganciclovir (GCV). Its nuclear location and status as an early gene suggested that DEV UL13 might play important roles in DEV replication, which was confirmed by comparing the proliferation of a UL13-knockout mutant virus, a revertant virus, and the parent virus in cell culture. The specific mechanisms of UL13 in viral replication need to be further studied.

[Interaction between abnormal expression of fragile histidine triad and methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 on cervical cancerization]

Objective: To explore the relationship between abnormal expression of fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene and methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) as well as their interaction on cervical cancerization. Methods: A total of 73 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 113 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN Ⅰ, n=45; CINⅡ/Ⅲ, n=68) and 60 women with normal cervix (NC) were included in the study. Real time PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the expression levels of mRNA and protein about FHIT and MeCP2, respectively. The methylation status of FHIT gene CpG island was tested by methylation-specifc PCR (MSP). Kruskal-Wallis H test, χ(2) test, trend χ(2) test and Spearman correlation analysis were conducted with software SPSS 20.0. The interaction was evaluated by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) model. Results: With the deterioration of cervical lesion, the methylation rates of FHIT gene CpG island (χ(2)=18.64, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=18.08, P<0.001) increased gradually, while the expression levels of FHIT mRNA (H=27.32, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=12.65, P<0.001) and protein (H=47.10, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=29.79, P<0.001) decreased gradually. There was a negative correlation between the methylation rates of FHIT gene CpG island and the expression level of FHIT protein (r=-0.226, P<0.001). The levels of MeCP2 mRNA (H=26.19, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=11.81, P=0.001) and protein (H=69.02, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=47.44, P<0.001) increased gradually with the aggravation of cervical lesions. There was a positive correlation between the expression level of MeCP2 protein and the FHIT mRNA Ct ratio (r=0.254, P<0.001). Expression of proteins were negatively correlated between MeCP2 and FHIT (r=-0.213, P=0.001). The results analyzed by GMDR model showed that there were interactions among high MeCP2 protein expression, the CpG island methylation of FHIT and mRNA and protein expression in CINⅡ/Ⅲ group, and among high MeCP2 mRNA and protein expression, the CpG island methylation of FHIT and low mRNA and protein expression in SCC group. Conclusion: High expression of MeCP2 mRNA and protein, the CpG island methylation and low mRNA and protein expression of FHIT could increase the risk of cervical carcinogenesis, and there might be a synergistic effect on cervical carcinogenesis.

The physiological differentiation along the midgut of Bombyx mori - inspirations from proteomics and gene expression patterns of the secreted proteins in the ectoperitrophic space

The ectoperitrophic space (EcPS) between the insect midgut epithelial cells and the peritrophic matrix is an unexplored, clean resource for concentrated proteins secreted by the midgut epithelial cells, which offers an ideal opportunity to uncover the midgut functions. In this study, we used Bombyx mori as a model organism and performed comparative proteomic analyses of the secreted proteins in the EcPS at the feeding and wandering stages. A total of 372 proteins were identified from both stages and 70 proteins were predicted to be secreted. Amongst these proteins, 17 secreted digestive proteins were identified and their temporal and spatial transcriptional expression patterns demonstrated that all these proteins were up-regulated at the feeding stage and differentially expressed in different parts of the midgut. Proteins with nutrient reservoir activity and defence activity were found to be up-regulated at the wandering stage. This work is the first to show the presence of digestive enzymes in the EcPS of the insect midgut using a proteomic approach, which provides evidence that suggests a physiological functional differentiation of the insect midgut. It is very clear that the EcPS undergoes dynamic changes in its composition of proteins in response to the changing needs of the insect at different developmental stages.

[Effect of low dose aspirin on osseointegration around titanium implants in osteoporotic rats]

Objective: To investigate the effect of aspirin on osseointegration around titanium implants in ostoeporotic rats and to provide evidence for future researches and clinical application. Methods: A total of 60 female SD rats, aged 3-4 months, were divided into ovariectomy group (Ovx group, n=48) and sham-ovariectomy group (Sham group, n=12). The rats in Ovx group received ovariectomy and those in Sham group underwent sham-ovariectomy. Twelve weeks later, six rats in each group were randomly selected to confirm the osteoporosis models. The Ovx group was divided into 4 subgroups with 12 rats in each group, namely the osteoporosis group (OP group), and Aspirin groups (A1, A2, A3 group). Pure screw titanium implants were placed in the right tibia near metaphysis of all rats. Three days after implant surgery, aspirin groups were intragastrically administered aspirin at a dose of 2.06, 4.11, 8.21 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) (A1, A2, A3), and OP group and Sham group were fed the same amount of normal saline. Four and 12 weeks following implantations surgery, half of the rats in each group were randomly chosen and sacrificed. Implant bone contact rate (IBCR), combined bone lamella width (CBLW) and trabercular width (TW) were observed and calculated using histomorphometric measurement. Results: Four weeks after implantations surgery, the TW and CBLW of rats in A1 group [(39.60±2.77) and (27.56±4.14) μm] and the IBCR, TW and CBLW of rats in A2 group and A3 group [A2: (47.21±4.19)%, (48.74±3.20) and (35.91±3.79) μm; A3: (47.35±6.07)%, (50.27±5.25) and (40.66±2.11) μm] were much higher than those in OP group [(33.89±7.17)%, (32.20±6.10) and (19.77±6.80) μm](P<0.05). In term of CBLW, there were no difference between A3 group and Sham group [(46.11±5.87) μm](P>0.05). Twelve weeks after implantations surgery, the IBCR and CBLW of rats in A1 group [ (85.86±3.64) %, (53.12±8.68) μm], and the IBCR, TW and CBLW of rats in A2 group and A3 group [A2: (85.64±3.97)%, (69.42±6.78) and (54.19±3.12) μm; A3: (86.22±3.48)%, (75.43±3.50) and (55.79±5.60) μm] were much higher than those in OP group [(77.20±7.14)%, (55.10±2.26) and (41.77±3.13) μm](P<0.05). In term of IBCR, there were no difference among A1 group, A2 group, A3 group and Sham group [(90.09±2.21)%](P>0.05). Conclusions: The low dose aspirin could promote IBCR, CBLW and TW of osteoporotic rats implants.

Molecular identification of goose (Anser cygnoide) suppressor ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) and the effects of goose IFN and TMUV on its comparative transcripts

Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) is known as an inhibition factor and has been associated with the innate immune response to pathogens. USP18 is the only deconjugating protease with specificity for interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), which is supposed to be missing in birds. To analyze the efficacy of goose USP18 (goUSP18) against Tembusu virus (TMUV) infection, we first cloned USP18 homologous cDNA from TMUV infected geese. The coding sequence was 1131 bp, and the deduced amino acid sequence shared conserved motifs with its homologues. Tissue-specific expression has shown that goUSP18 transcripts are strongly expressed in the spleen and liver of adult geese, as well as in the pancreas of goslings. Moreover, the goUSP18 transcripts were induced by goose interferons (goIFN) in goose embryo fibroblasts (GEF) and by TLR ligands in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Notably, goUSP18 transcripts were highly up-regulated by TMUV infection compared to the basal level in uninfected birds. Taken together, these results suggested that goUSP18 was involved in host innate immunity against TMUV infection.

Beam-Energy Dependence of Directed Flow of Λ, Λ[over ¯], K^{±}, K_{s}^{0}, and ϕ in Au+Au Collisions

Rapidity-odd directed-flow measurements at midrapidity are presented for Λ, Λ[over ¯], K^{±}, K_{s}^{0}, and ϕ at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27, 39, 62.4, and 200 GeV in Au+Au collisions recorded by the Solenoidal Tracker detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. These measurements greatly expand the scope of data available to constrain models with differing prescriptions for the equation of state of quantum chromodynamics. Results show good sensitivity for testing a picture where flow is assumed to be imposed before hadron formation and the observed particles are assumed to form via coalescence of constituent quarks. The pattern of departure from a coalescence-inspired sum rule can be a valuable new tool for probing the collision dynamics.

[The clinical anatomy of the inferior thyroid arteries and veins and the safety of the modified tracheotomy]

Objective:To evaluated the clinical anatomy of the inferior thyroid arteries and veins and the safety of clinical application of the modified tracheotomy. Method:Sixty patients who need partial resection or full resection of thyroid cancer and 50 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer required tracheotomy were enrolled in this study. The distribution of the inferior thyroid arteries and veins closely related to tracheotomy is further dissected. The inverted "U" type of tracheal flap tracheotomy was further improved based on anatomical findings. Finally, the further modified tracheotomy was used for clinical practice and compared with the conventional tracheotomy and the inverted "U" type of tracheal flap tracheotomy. Result:Of the 110 cases, the lowest thyroid artery was found in 11 cases, with a rate of 10%. The inferior thyroid vein has 2-4 branches, which originates from the lower lobe or isthmus of the thyroid lateral lobe, descending in the anterior tracheal space. According to the characteristics of the static reflux of the thyroid gland, the lower thyroid vessels are classified into four types: intravenous dry type (28 cases); intravenous double dry without traffic type (43 cases); intravenous double trunk with traffic (28 cases); mixed type (11 cases). At present, the further modified tracheotomy can effectively avoid the rebleeding of the lower thyroid arteries and veins. There were no bleeding and other complications in all cases. Conclusion:It provides a basis for the further modified of tracheotomy based on the clinical anatomy of the inferior thyroid artery and vein, which is closely related to tracheotomy. The further modified tracheotomy has certain advantages than the conventional tracheotomy and the inverted "U" type of tracheal flap tracheotomy.

Ultrathin graphene-based membrane with precise molecular sieving and ultrafast solvent permeation

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes continue to attract intense interest due to their unique molecular sieving properties combined with fast permeation. However, their use is limited to aqueous solutions because GO membranes appear impermeable to organic solvents, a phenomenon not yet fully understood. Here, we report efficient and fast filtration of organic solutions through GO laminates containing smooth two-dimensional (2D) capillaries made from large (10-20 μm) flakes. Without modification of sieving characteristics, these membranes can be made exceptionally thin, down to ∼10 nm, which translates into fast water and organic solvent permeation. We attribute organic solvent permeation and sieving properties to randomly distributed pinholes interconnected by short graphene channels with a width of 1 nm. With increasing membrane thickness, organic solvent permeation rates decay exponentially but water continues to permeate quickly, in agreement with previous reports. The potential of ultrathin GO laminates for organic solvent nanofiltration is demonstrated by showing >99.9% rejection of small molecular weight organic dyes dissolved in methanol. Our work significantly expands possibilities for the use of GO membranes in purification and filtration technologies.

[A study of 16 cases on the island pectoralis major muscle flap in repair for the defects after the laryngeal function reserved operation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective:To explore the application about island pectoralis major muscle flap in repair for the defects after the laryngeal function reserved operation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.Method:A retrospective analysis about 16 patients who underwent hypopharyngeal carcinoma surgery using pedicle island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to repair, including 14 cases whose primary tumors located in the piriform fossa, and 2 cases in pharynx posterior wall.Result:All 16 cases' pectoralis major muscle flap survived, 2 of patient appeared to have a pharyngeal fistula, but recovered after transition. Of the 16 cases, 14 cases were removed the trachea tube in 1-3 months, 2 cases survive with tube, and all patients were satisfied with their appearance and the function. In 16 cases, 2 of them survived 3 and a half years, died of lung metastasis; 2 cases survived for four years, 1 died of local recurrence of tumor and another died of heart disease; 1 survived for four and a half years and died of lung metastasis; the remaining 11 cases were still in follow-up.Conclusion:The application in the surgical defect repair of pharyngeal carcinoma with pedicle island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is safe and effective.

Clinical research on airway intervention before tracheal extubation after general anesthesia on snoring children

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the method and the effect of airway intervention before tracheal extubation in post-anesthesia cure unit (PACU) after anesthesia when removing the tonsil under general anesthesia and adenoidectomy under nasal endoscope on children with snoring.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

46 cases diagnosed as snoring were executively selected in this study. The cases were randomly divided into the control group (n = 22) and the observation group (n = 24). For airway intervention after general anesthesia during the recovery period, the control group was treated with intravenous injection of 0.5 μg/kg remifentanil, whereas the observation group was treated with atomization inhalation of 15 mg ambroxol hydrochloride and 0.5 mg budesonide suspension.

RESULTS

The clinical effects of both methods were compared and analyzed for statistical analysis. The blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen saturation at 30 min and 10 min after extubation in the control group was significantly more stable than those in the observation group (p < 0.05). The alertness/sedation (OAA/S) score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The prevalence rate of complications after extubation in the two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The levels of serum cortisol (Cor) and IL-8 in the control group were significantly lower than those in the observation group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both methods are effective for treatment of airway intervention concerned with snoring children after general anesthesia during the recovery period. The effect of remifentanil on hemodynamics is relatively huge compared with that of atomization inhalation.

STAT3 regulates cytokine expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthma patients

Asthma is a common long term inflammatory disease of the airways. This disease affected millions of people worldwide. Recently, it is demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays critical role in asthma occurrence. In the current study, we isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with mild and moderate asthma, and then determined the correlation between STAT3 and cytokine expression. We found that the concentration and mRNA level of cytokines was increased in PBMCs from asthma patients. The concentration and mRNA level of cytokines was altered by the regulation of STAT3 expression and the concentration and mRNA expression level of cytokines was positively correlated with STAT3 activation. Furthermore, phosphorylated STAT3 expression in PBMCs from asthma patients was increased compared with the control. Collectively, this study directly proved that STAT3 was correlated with cytokine expression in PBMCs from asthma patients, providing a potential linkage between STAT3 and pathogenesis of asthma.

[Establishment and evaluation of noninvasive diagnostic models for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To establish the model of liver fibrosis based on noninvasive indices, and to investigate the diagnostic value of this model. Methods: A total of 838 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who underwent liver biopsy in our hospital from March 2003 to October 2013 were selected, and the results of blood tests and B-ultrasound were collected. The correlation between these indices and liver fibrosis stage was analyzed. A logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a predictive model, and the value of this model was examined in validation group. The t-test, Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test, and chi-square test were used for data analysis. A Spearman rank correlation analysis was used for bivariate correlation analysis, and a dichotomous logistic stepwise regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results: In the model group, a model (FV) consisting of age, platelet count (PLT), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), and splenic square area (SSA) was established. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) of the model FV were 0.892, 0.910, and 0.915, respectively, in diagnosing significant liver fibrosis (S2-4), progressive liver fibrosis (S3-4), and early-stage liver cirrhosis (S4), with sensitivities of 77.6%, 83.7%, and 86.0%, respectively, specificities of 89.7%, 84.5%, and 83.7%, respectively, and accuracy of 82.1%, 84.2%, and 84.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences in AUROCs between the validation group and the model group (Z = 0.360, 0.885, and 0.046, all P > 0.05). In all patients, FV had significantly higher AUROCs in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis than FIB4 index and S index (Z = 4.569/3.423, 5.640/4.709, and 4.652/4.439, all P < 0.05). With < 0.374 and ≥ 0.577 as the cut-off values for the exclusion and diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis, 61.1% (512/838) of all patients could avoid liver biopsy, and the accuracy was 92.6% (474/512). Conclusion: The noninvasive model based on age, PLT, GGT, A/G, and SSA can accurately predict liver fibrosis degree in patients with CHB with good reproducibility; therefore, it can be used for dynamic monitoring of liver fibrosis degree in clinical practice.