[Thyroid disruptor p, p'-DDE inhibited the expression of LHX4 and DIS3L protein in Nthy-ori-3-1 cells]

Objective: To observe the changes of LHX4 and DIS3L mRNA and protein expression in Nthy-ori-3-1 cells after the treatment of thyroid disruptor p, p'-DDE. Methods: Nthy-ori-3-1 cells in logarithmic growth phase were treated with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 μg/ml p, p'-DDE solution. The growth state and morphology of the cells were observed by microscope. The mRNA levels of LHX4 and DIS3L were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, and the protein expression levels of LHX4 and DIS3L were detected by Western blot. Results: when the concentrations of p, p'-DDE were 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml, Nthy-ori-3-1 cells grew normally. There were 33 differential genes in 2.0 μg/ml group, among which 13 genes were down regulated and 20 genes were up-regulated. Compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of LHX4 and DIS3L in 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05) , and the relative expression levels of LHX4 and DIS3L protein mRNA in 1.0 μg/ml group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: p, p'-DDE can affect the protein expression of LHX4 and dis3l in nthy-ori-3-1 cells.

[Cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in China]

Objective: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of primary prophylaxis (PP) with pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF), PP with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) and no prophylaxis in women with early-stage breast cancer in China. Methods: Two phase Markov models were constructed for a hypothetical cohort of patients aged 45 with stage Ⅱ breast cancer. The first phase modelled costs and outcomes of 4 cycles docetaxel combined with cyclophosphamide [TC×4, febrile neutropenia (FN) risk>20%] chemotherapy, which assumptions based on literature reviews, including FN rates [base-case (deterministic sensitivity analysis range), 0.29 (0.24-0.35)] and related events [FN case-fatality, 3.4 (2.7-4.1)]. Second phase modelled the long term survival which was link with the relative dose intensity (RDI) [mortality hazard ratio (HR) of RDI < 85% vs ≥85%, 1.45 (1.00-2.32)]. Clinical effectiveness, therapeutic costs, and economic utilities were estimated from peer-reviewed publications and expert opinions in case of unavailability of published evidences. Results: Compared to rhG-CSF PP and no prophylaxis, the cost of PEG-rhG-CSF PP increased to 5 208.19 RMB and 5 222.73 RMB, respectively. The quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) enhanced to 0.066 and 0.297, respectively. Accordingly, the incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are 79 146.3 RMB and 17 558.77 RMB per QALY, which were both below the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of three times GDP per capita (18, 000 RMB) recommended by the WHO. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the more clinically effective the primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. And the lower the mortality HR of RDI<85% vs ≥85% is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. Conclusion: Although the cost of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is higher, considering the additional benefits, the administrating of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to PP rhG-CSF and no prophylaxis in patients with early stage breast cancer whose FN risks are more than 20% in China.

[Current management and future prospect of HER-2 mutant non-small cell lung cancer]

Since Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER-2) was regarded as oncogenic driver gene for malignancies, HER-2 targeted therapy has benefited many patients with breast cancer and gastric cancer. However, as a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, HER-2 has failed to respond well to both traditional anti-HER-2 and anti-EGFR targeted agents when compared to EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is reported that unlike gene copy number variation in breast cancer, HER-2 intragenic kinase domain mutations (the exon 20 in-frame insertions are dominant, and missense mutations in kinase domain are also observed) in NSCLC might account for the poor response to traditional HER-2 or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis, molecular variations, clinical features and current therapeutic strategies for HER-2 mutated NSCLC to discuss the challenges and perspectives for this population.

MicroRNA-199 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in children with acute myeloid leukemia by mediating caspase-3

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "MicroRNA-199 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in children with acute myeloid leukemia by mediating caspase-3, by F. Xue, Y. Zhu, F. Xu, L.-J. Zhou, F. Han, S.-C. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (9): 3584-3593-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201905_17780-PMID: 31114982" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/17780.

[Application of molecular analysis in differential diagnosis of ovarian adult granulosa cell tumors]

Objective: To investigate the application value of molecular detection in the differential diagnosis of ovarian adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) by analyzing FOXL2, AKT1 and DICER1 mutations in these tumors. Methods: A total of 48 cases of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor (SCST) were selected from July 2012 to June 2019 in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, including 21 adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT), 15 fibromas/fibrothecomas, 8 Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) and 4 other types of ovarian SCST. Genomic DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Polymerase chain reaction amplification for FOXL2, AKT1 and DICER1 genes was performed, followed by sequencing using capillary electrophoresis. Fisher exact test was used to compare the prevalence difference of FOXL2, AKT1 and DICER1 mutations among the groups. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Eighteen of the 21 (85.7%) AGCT harbored FOXL2 mutation. Compared with other SCST (13.0%, 3 of 23; including fibromas/fibrothecomas and SLCT), FOXL2 mutation was significantly higher in AGCT (P<0.001). In addition, FOXL2 mutation was also detected in one fibrothecoma, two SLCT and two gynandroblastomas. DICER1 mutation was identified in four of eight SLCT, and these cases were moderately to poorly differentiated. FOXL2 mutation was found in one SLCT with DICER1 mutation. There was no DICER1 mutation in other ovarian SCST. No AKT1 mutation was detected in all the patients. Conclusions: FOXL2 mutation is a highly specific biomarker for adult AGCT and may be helpful to resolve problematic cases. Diagnosis should also be taken into consideration of the clinical and histological features as FOXL2 mutation is also found in other SCST. The detection of DICER1 mutation is helpful for the differential diagnosis of ovarian SLCT. Synchronous DICER1 and FOXL2 mutation in the SLCT has been observed, and its significance needs to be further studied.

[Effects of different crystalloid fluids resuscitation on renal structure and function in sepsis rats]

To evaluate the effects of resuscitation with normal saline and sodium potassium magnesium calcium and glucose injection on renal structure and function in septic rats. Rat model of sepsis was established by ligation and perforation of cecum. Male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham operation group, sepsis group, saline resuscitation group, sodium potassium magnesium calcium and glucose injection resuscitation group. Blood gas analysis was performed at the end of resuscitation. The rats were sacrificed 72 hours after resuscitation. Blood samples were taken to measure the plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα). Caspase-3 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in kidney sections. The degree of renal injury was evaluated by regular HE staining and electron microscope. Compared with normal saline resuscitation, sodium potassium calcium magnesium glucose injection resuscitation could decrease the levels of BUN, serum creatinine, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα (P<0.05) , reduce the expression of caspase-3 (P<0.05) , and improve the renal injury score (P<0.05) . Sodium potassium calcium magnesium glucose injection resuscitation can significantly improve the renal function of sepsis rats with less pathological damage of the kidney.

Antenatal corticosteroids administration on mortality and morbidity in premature twins born at 25∼34 gestational weeks: A retrospective multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administration on mortality and major neonatal complications in early life of preterm twins.

STUDY DESIGN

This study retrospectively enrolled 1 662 twins delivered at 25∼34⁺⁶gestational weeks in China from January 2013 to December 2014. They were divided into ACS group and no-ACS group according to weather their mothers received ACS or not. Moreover, they were subgrouped as 25∼27⁺⁶ and 28∼34⁺⁶gestational week groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of ACS on the incidence of mortality and major morbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 910 neonates (54.8 %) received one or more doses of ACS, and 752 neonates (45.2 %) did not receive any ACS. No significant difference in infant mortality was observed between the ACS and no-ACS groups (P = 0.321). The ACS group had decreased incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and mild RDS compared with the no-ACS group (both P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, sepsis and severe RDS between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of RDS was lower in the ACS group than in the no-ACS group (P = 0.036) at 28∼34⁺⁶weeks. However, the incidence of mild ROP was higher in the ACS group than that in the no-ACS group (P = 0.047) at 25∼27⁺⁶ weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated a decreasing risk of RDS (aOR = 0.661, 95 %CI:0.506-0.863, P = 0.002) after adjusting the gestational week, birth weight, small for gestational age, delivery mode, 5 min Apgar score, and maternal perinatal complications.

CONCLUSION

In twin preterm infants, ACS administration is associated with a reduced risk of RDS. However, our data suggest that it may not have a beneficial effect on mortality and other short-term morbidities.

A NEW SIMPLE, PERSONALIZED, AND QUANTITATIVE EMPIRICAL METHOD FOR DETERMINING 131I ACTIVITY IN TREATING GRAVES' DISEASE

CONTEXT

The ¹³¹I activity for treating Graves' disease (GD) is usually determined based on physician's experience.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design an empirical method that was not only personalized and quantitative, but also simple, convenient, and easy to grasp.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study population comprised patients with GD, selected between May 2013 and May 2016, who received ¹³¹I therapy in the Outpatient Department of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. The first-visit patients of physician 1 were placed in the traditional group: the activity of ¹³¹I (mCi) was calculated using the routine formula: [empirical activity (0.07-0.12 mCi/g) × thyroid mass]/[24-h thyroid ¹³¹I uptake]. The first-visit patients of physician 2 were placed in the personalized group. The activity of ¹³¹I (mCi) was calculated in two steps. First, the initial activity was calculated: 0.1 mCi/g × thyroid mass (g), and then a personalized and quantitative calibration table of ¹³¹I activity was used to obtain a final ¹³¹I activity. The cure rate with a single activity of ¹³¹I was recorded 1 year later.

RESULTS

The traditional and personalized groups included 241 and 282 patients, respectively. Interestingly, the personalized group achieved a higher cure rate [86.5% (244/282) versus 73.4% (177/241), P = 0.000] with a relatively higher ¹³¹I activity for the first treatment [8.7 (7, 3.5-30) mCi versus 6.7(6, 2.5-30) mCi, P = 0.000] compared with the traditional group, while the incidence rate of permanent hypothyroidism was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.175).

CONCLUSION

The empirical method designed in this study was reliable.

ELECTROACUPUNCTURE IMPROVES INSULIN SENSITIVITY IN HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED INSULIN RESISTANT RATS BY ACTIVATING SIRT1 AND GLUT4 IN QUADRICEPS FEMORIS

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongwan (CV12), and Fenglong (ST40) acupoints on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) expression in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin-resistant (IR) rats.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into normal control (NC), HFD, and HFD+EA groups. NC rats were fed a standard chow diet and did not receive EA. After being fed an HFD for eight weeks, rats in the HFD+EA group received EA at 2 Hz five times a week for eight weeks. Rats in the HFD group did not receive EA.

RESULTS

In HFD-induced IR rats, EA inhibited body weight increase and water intake, which were observed in HFD rats. EA had no effect on fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood sugar levels. Intraperitoneal insulin tolerance testing revealed that EA enhanced insulin sensitivity in HFD-induced IR rats. Compared with NC rats, SIRT1 and GLUT4 were downregulated in the quadriceps femoris of HFD-fed rats but were increased after eight weeks of EA stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

EA enhanced HFD-induced insulin resistance by activating SIRT1 and GLUT4 in the quadriceps femoris. These results provide powerful evidence supporting the beneficial effects of EA on HFD-induced insulin resistance.

[Interrupted time series analysis for influence on HIV related fatality of implementation of 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China]

Objective: To analyze influence on HIV related fatality of implementation of 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China during 1993-2012, and evaluate effectiveness for the policy of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Methods: The data during 1993-2003 (before the implementation of the policy) and during 2005-2012 (after the implementation of the policy) were collected from the national HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System for the analysis on HIV related fatality in Chinese, especially in rural residents. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze the trends of HIV related fatality during 1993 and 2012. Results: During the twenty years from 1993 to 2012, the HIV related fatality in China decreased, and the HIV related fatality in rural areas was higher than the overall HIV related fatality. Compared with the period before the implementation of the policy, the overall HIV related fatality decreased by 1.5% (P=0.156) and the HIV related fatality in rural residents decreased by 2.6% in 2004 when the policy was implemented (P=0.094). As for the change of slope, the overall slope rate after the policy implementation was -0.466 (P=0.005), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. The slope rate after the policy implementation in rural residents was-0.592 (P=0.005), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. At the same time, the slope rate after the policy implementation in rural residents infected through blood transmission route was-0.766 (P<0.001), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. Conclusions: The implementation of the 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China has made remarkable progress in free HIV antiviral therapy.

On the co-occurrence of species of Wynnea (Ascomycota, Pezizales, Sarcoscyphaceae) and Armillaria (Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Physalacriaceae)

Species of the genus Wynnea are collected in association with a subterranean mass generally referred to as a sclerotium. This is one of the few genera of the Sarcoscyphaceae not associated with plant material – wood or leaves. The sclerotium is composed of hyphae of both Armillaria species and Wynnea species. To verify the existence of Armillaria species in the sclerotia of those Wynnea species not previously examined and to fully understand the structure and nature of the sclerotium, molecular data and morphological characters were analyzed. Using nuclear ITS rDNA sequences the Armillaria species co-occurring with Wynnea species were identified from all examined material. These Armillaria symbionts fall into two main Armillaria groups – the A. gallica-nabsnona-calvescens group and the A. mellea group. Divergent time estimates of the Armillaria and Wynnea lineages support a co-evolutionary relationship between these two fungi.

[HIV infection rate in people aged 50 years and older in China: a Meta-analysis]

Objective: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in people aged ≥50 years is increasing in China, resulting in another focus for AIDS prevention and control. A Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the HIV infection, its area and time distributions in people aged ≥50 years in China to provide evidence for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Methods: Information on HIV infection rate in people aged ≥50 years in China were collected from Wanfang digital database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed and Embase. The R Studio1.1.456 software was used to calculate the pooled infection rate, and assessed the publication bias. Results: A total of 30 studies which covered 13 provinces were selected. From 2010 to 2018, the pooled HIV infection rate in people aged ≥50 years was 1.68% (95%CI:1.00%-2.79%). The HIV infection rate (2.60%) was higher in eastern China than in central and western China (0.16%, 2.13%). Conclusion: The overall HIV infection rate in people aged ≥50 years is generally high in China. It is important to control the HIV infection in this population to facilitate the AIDS prevention and control in China.

Phenotypical and potential functional characteristics of different immune cells expressing CD28H/B7-H5 and their relationship with cancer prognosis

CD28H and B7-H5 have been identified as receptor-ligand pairs in the B7/CD28 family, and have co-stimulatory activity in immune cells. Here, we have systematically reviewed the research reports concerning the CD28H/B7-H5 pathway. It was found that CD28H is mainly expressed in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells with naive and poorly differentiated properties, and repeated antigen stimulation leads to permanent loss of CD28H. In tumors, CD28H is mainly expressed in tissue-resident memory (T_RM ) lymphocyte T cells, which is associated with improved tumor prognosis. B7-H5 is a ligand for CD28H and is widely expressed in tumor cells. B7-H5 expression is closely related to the prognosis of the tumor. Studies have shown that high expression of B7-H5 in tumor is related to a worse prognosis for lung cancer, osteosarcoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), breast carcinoma, human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), but is associated with a better prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and glioma. Controversial views exist in studies on gastric cancer prognosis.

Predict New Therapeutic Drugs for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Gene Mutation and Expression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common primary liver tumor and is an important medical problem worldwide. However, the use of current therapies for HCC is no possible to be cured, and despite numerous attempts and clinical trials, there are not so many approved targeted treatments for HCC. So, it is necessary to identify additional treatment strategies to prevent the growth of HCC tumors. We are looking for a systematic drug repositioning bioinformatics method to identify new drug candidates for the treatment of HCC, which considers not only aberrant genomic information, but also the changes of transcriptional landscapes. First, we screen the collection of HCC feature genes, i.e., kernel genes, which frequently mutated in most samples of HCC based on human mutation data. Then, the gene expression data of HCC in TCGA are combined to classify the kernel genes of HCC. Finally, the therapeutic score (TS) of each drug is calculated based on the kolmogorov-smirnov statistical method. Using this strategy, we identify five drugs that associated with HCC, including three drugs that could treat HCC and two drugs that might have side-effect on HCC. In addition, we also make Connectivity Map (CMap) profiles similarity analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis on drug targets. All these findings suggest that our approach is effective for accurate predicting novel therapeutic options for HCC and easily to be extended to other tumors.

Gefitinib promotes CXCR4-dependent epithelial to mesenchymal transition via TGF-β1 signaling pathway in lung cancer cells harboring EGFR mutation

PURPOSE

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in acquired resistance to gefitinib in lung cancer. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of gefitinib-induced EMT in lung adenocarcinoma cells harboring EGFR mutation.

METHODS

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression was determined through qRT-PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry assays in lung cancer cell line (PC9) bearing mutated EGFR. Functional role of CXCR4 was inhibited applying siRNAs as well as the specific antagonist AMD3100. The expression of EMT markers was determined, and the migration of PC9 cells was measured with transwell assay.

RESULTS

We found that gefitinib promoted the migratory capacity of PC9 cells in vitro, which correlated with EMT occurrence through upregulation of CXCR4. Blocking CXCR4 significantly suppressed gefitinib-induced enhancement of migration and EMT. Moreover, we determined that the upregulation of CXCR4 by gefitinib was dependent on TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested a potential mechanism by which gefitinib induced EMT in cells harboring EGFR mutation through a pathway involving TGF-β1 and CXCR4. Thus, the combination of CXCR4 antagonist and TGFβR inhibitors might provide an alternative strategy to overcome progression of lung cancer after gefitinib treatment.

Intrauterine Inflammation Damages Placental Angiogenesis via Wnt5a-Flt1 Activation

Intrauterine inflammation is the main reason for neonatal adverse outcomes and normal placenta perfusion plays an important role in fetal development. However, whether inflammation will affect placental angiogenesis and the underlying mechanism are still poorly understood. To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intrauterine inflammation on placenta angiogenesis and Wnt5a-Flt1 expression. LPS-induced intrauterine inflammation rat model was established. Preterm rat outcomes were analyzed and angiogenesis of placenta villi was calculated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of CD34 staining, and placenta Wnt5a-Flt1 expression was detected by western blot and IHC. Compared to control group, neonatal rats in LPS group showed higher death rate (1.4% vs 10.1%, p < 0.05) and lower birth weight (6.36 ± 0.48 vs 5.70 ± 0.67, p < 0.01); the villi vessel area and mean diameter in the placenta were significantly reduced in the LPS group (total area %, 16.7% ± 0.6% vs 8.7% ± 0.4%, p < 0.01, n = 9; mean diameter (pixel), 15.6 ± 0.5 vs 12.9 ± 0.3, p < 0.01, n = 9). Placenta Wnt5a-Flt1 expression was upregulated significantly (integrated optical density (IOD) in IHC: Wnt5a, 1667 ± 1204 vs 11,076 ± 4046, p < 0.05; Flt1, 2554 ± 466.2 vs 7998 ± 1613, p < 0.05; western blot: Wnt5a, 0.33 ± 0.05 vs 0.96 ± 0.06, p < 0.05; Flt1, 0.36 ± 0.15 vs 1.08 ± 0.08, p < 0.05). Intrauterine inflammation gave rise to offspring death rate and low birth weight; the mechanism might be disordered placental angiogenesis via Wnt5a-Flt1 activation triggered by inflammation.

miR-135a inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion by directly targeting FOXO1

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential function of miR-135a in glioma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 50 pairs of glioma tissue samples and para-carcinoma tissue samples were collected. Human glioma cell line (U251) and normal human astrocyte (NHA) were cultured. The expression of RNA and protein was detected by quantitative Real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation assay and transwell assay were used to detect the activities of proliferation and invasion. Luciferase reporter assays were carried out to determine the binding efficiency between forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) and miR-135a in U251 cells.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR results showed that miR-135a expression was significantly reduced while FOXO1 was up-regulated in glioma tissues. miR-135a overexpression in U251 cells could prominently inhibit proliferation and invasion according to the transwell assays. Moreover, FOXO1 was recognized as the target for miR-135a and may partially reverse the functions of miR-135a in U251 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that miR-135a inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion by down-regulating the target gene FOXO1.

IRF4-induced upregulation of lncRNA SOX2-OT promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in cholangiocarcinoma by regulating SOX2 and PI3K/AKT signaling

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of lncRNA SOX2-OT in the proliferation and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and its underlying mechanisms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 82 patients with CCA underwent surgery in our hospital were enrolled in this study. Five CCA cell lines (HuH-28, QBC939, HuCCT1, CCLP1, RBE) were used. The ability of proliferation and metastasis of CCA cells were detected by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assay, respectively. Additionally, in vivo tumor metastasis assay was done. Furthermore, the Kaplan Meier method was used to validate the prognostic importance of SOX2-OT for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Besides, the protein and mRNA expression of CCA cells were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression level of lncRNA SOX2-OT was significantly upregulated in cholangiocarcinoma tissues. Functional assays were further conducted to prove the oncogenic role of SOX2-OT on the proliferation and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, mechanism investigations manifested that transcription factor IRF4 upregulates SOX2-OT by promoting the transcriptional activity of SOX2-OT. SOX2-OT could positively regulate the nearby gene SOX2. SOX2-OT suppressed the nuclear transcription of PTEN, thereby activating PI3K/AKT signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNA SOX2-OT upregulated by IRF4 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in cholangiocarcinoma via upregulating SOX2 and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

[Genotype and evolution of hantavirus in Tiantai of Zhejiang province, 2011-2018]

Objective: By investigating the genotype and evolutionary variation of hantavirus (HV) in Tiantai county, a national surveillance site for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) was set in Zhejiang province, from 2011 to 2018, to reveal the molecular epidemiological characteristics of hantavirus (HV) in Tiantai. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from ultrasound treated HV antigen- positive rat lung samples in Tiantai from 2011 to 2018. After cDNA was prepared, nested PCR was used to amplify partial sequence of M fragments by using specific primers of HV. The sequences of HV in Tiantai from 2011 to 2018 were compared with other known HV sequences in order to identify the genotype and analyze the evolution and variation of the virus. Results: In 67 HV antigen-positive lung specimens, 31 were positive in nested PCR amplification with type-specific primers, including 30 Hantaan virus (HTNV) positive samples, 1 Seoul virus (SEOV) positive sample, and all the 31 samples were from Apodemus agrarius. The phylogenetic tree based on partial M segment was divided into monophyletic group, 30 strains were distributed in HTNV group and 1 was in SEOV group. The HTNV strain Tiantai T2018-130 was independently in one branch, sharing 84.8%-87.9% homology with other strains both at home and abroad, including 29 strains in HTNV group in Tiantai. The other 29 HTNV strains in Tiantai showed closer relationship. The SEOV strain T2016-31 from Apodemus agrarius showed closer relationship with previous strains of SEOV, Tiantai ZT71, ZT10 and Z37 strains of Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. Conclusions: HTNV, the main genotype of HV in Tiantai of Zhejiang province, showed obvious geographic clustering, but the strain T2018-130 was distinct from the others in Tiantai. Meanwhile, by sequence analysis, we confirmed that The SEOV strain T2016-31 existed in in Apodemus agrarius, indicating there was a phenomenon of "spillover" between virus and host in SEOV evolution.

Genetic determination of sex and shell color in the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai revealed by an integrated linkage map

Integrated linkage maps for each sex have been constructed for the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai using three F₁ mapping families based on co-dominant markers. A total of 273 markers were placed on the female map, spanning 927.3 cM with an average interval of 3.64 cM, whereas 277 markers were mapped on the male map, covering 727.0 cM with an average spacing of 2.80 cM. Both female and male maps consisted of 18 linkage groups, corresponding well with the number of chromosomes. Furthermore, the sex-determining locus and the green/orange shell color controlling locus were mapped to the linkage group 3 (LG3) and LG9 respectively. A marker completely linked to phenotypic sex was identified, and the sex determination system was further concluded as paternal heterogametic (males XY and females XX). Based on the segregation ratio of the shell color in the progeny, a simple recessive model of epistasis was proposed to explain the distribution of different color morphs (green, orange and blue): the recessive allele determining orange type masks the effect of the locus controlling green and blue types, whereas the dominant allele at the green/orange locus permits the expression of green and blue types controlled by another locus. The current consensus map provides a useful framework for genetic studies in the Pacific abalone. Mapping of the sex-determining locus and the shell color-controlling locus leads to further understanding of the mechanisms underlying these important traits.