XPG gene polymorphisms and glioma susceptibility: a two-centre case-control study

Background: Glioma, the most common tumour in children next to leukaemia, is difficult to treat, with a poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) plays a key role in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, which may modulate individual susceptibility to developing cancer. We hypothesized links between XPG variants and glioma in children.Methods: We tested our hypothesis in a study comparing 171 glioma cases with 228 age and sex matched controls, determining XPG polymorphisms rs2094258 C > T, rs751402 C > T, rs2296147 T > C, rs1047768 T > C, rs873601 G > A by standard molecular genetic methods.Results: rs2094258 C > T was associated with a decreased glioma risk, but carrying the rs1047768 C or rs873601 A allele brought an increased risk. Subjects carrying 5 risk genotypes had a significantly increased glioma risk at an adjusted odds ratio of 1.97 (95% confidence Interval 1.26-3.08)(p = 0.003) when compared with those carrying 0-4 risk genotypes. Furthermore, children with 5 risk genotypes had a higher glioma risk when aged >60 months, were more likely to be male, and with subtypes of astrocytic tumours, and low-grade clinical stage, when compared to those with 0-4 risk genotypes. Preliminary functional exploration suggested that rs2094258 is linked with the expression of its surrounding genes in the expression quantitative trait locus analysis.Conclusion: Certain variants of XPG are risk factors for paediatric glioma, and so may be useful in early diagnosis.

[Active screening of intestinal carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in high-risk patients admitted to the hematology wards and its effect evaluation]

目的

观察血液科肠道碳青霉烯类耐药的肠杆菌科细菌（CRE）主动筛查患者CRE定植、感染的特征，并评价主动筛查结合加强干预在血液科患者CRE感染预防控制中的效果。

方法

以2017年3月至2019年12月血液内科接受化疗或免疫抑制治疗且预期会出现粒细胞缺乏（粒缺）的患者为研究对象，进行至少3个时间点（治疗前、治疗后粒缺期、粒缺伴发热期）的肠道CRE筛查，以2016年12月至2017年2月血液内科未开展肠道CRE主动筛查的、接受化疗或免疫抑制治疗的115例患者为历史对照组，两组患者均进行CRE感染实时监测，CRE筛查阳性者均采取接触隔离措施，CRE筛查阳性者出现发热或者感染症状时启动针对CRE联合抗生素治疗。

结果

主动筛查患者CRE定植率为16.46%（66/401）；病种分布上，以急性白血病定植率最高，为23.03%（26/113）。66例筛查阳性患者中，其中第1次筛查阳性患者为27例，占40.9%（27/66），第2次筛查阳性患者为15例，占22.7%（15/66），第3次及以后筛查阳性患者为24例，占36.4%（24/66）。CRE定植病原菌中耐碳青霉烯类肺炎克雷伯菌（CRKP）最多，占54.55%（36/66）。主动筛查患者CRE感染率（2.49%）及死亡率（50.00%）低于历史对照组的11.30%及69.23%；干预期间10例CRE血流感染患者病原菌种类与前期主动筛查病原菌完全相同，符合率为100.0%。

结论

血液科病房急性白血病患者CRE定植率最高，CRKP是CRE定植、感染的主要病原菌，提高筛查频率可以显著提高筛查阳性率，采取主动筛查并及早干预能有效降低血液科患者CRE发生率及死亡率，CRE筛查阳性病原菌与后续CRE感染病原菌符合率高。恶性血液病患者肠道CRE筛查可以对后期CRE血流感染起到预警以及优化抗菌药物使用的作用。

[Research progress in pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis]

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease that is mainly caused by diffuse fibrosis of lung tissue due to long-term inhalation of productive dust during occupational activities and retention in the lungs. Macrophages, epithelial cells and other cells can release a large number of cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, etc. These cytokines can participate in pathologies such as local injury, inflammatory response, and pulmonary fibrosis. This article reviews the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis in order to provide a basis for further research.

[Association between lifestyle-related factors and colorectal adenoma]

Objective: To explore the association between lifestyle-related factors and colorectal adenoma. Methods: Based on the Screening Project of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer in Jiashan county Zhejiang province, from August 2012 to March 2018, information gathered through records on questionnaire and colonoscopic diagnosis were collected from participants with positive results during the primary screening stage. According to the findings of colonoscopy, 11 232 controls without any colorectal diseases and 3 895 cases with colorectal adenoma were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between lifestyle-related factors and colorectal adenoma. Results: After adjusting for possible confounding factors, results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, alcohol drinking and obesity were positively related to the risk of colorectal adenoma, with ORs (95%CIs) as 1.38 (1.24-1.54), 1.37 (1.24-1.51) and 1.38 (1.20-1.59) respectively. However, regular aspirin intake was negatively related with the risk of colorectal adenoma (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.53-0.80). After stratified by sex and age, data showed that the associations between smoking, alcohol drinking and colorectal adenoma were statistically significant in males, and the association between regular aspirin intake and colorectal adenoma was also statistically significant in older participants (aged 60 years and older). Conclusion: Smoking, alcohol drinking, regular aspirin intake and obesity were associated with colorectal adenoma.

Sugar in Beverage and the Risk of Incident Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the association between sugar in beverage and dementia, Alzheimer Disease (AD) dementia and stroke.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study were based on the US community-based Framingham Heart Study (FHS). Sugar in beverage was assessed between 1991 and 1995 (5th exam). Surveillance for incident events including dementia and stroke commenced at examination 9 through 2014 and continued for 15-20 years.

RESULTS

At baseline, a total of 1865 (63%) subjects consumed no sugar in beverage, whereas 525 (18%) subjects consumed it in 1-7 servings/week and 593 (29%) in over 7 servings/week. Over an average follow-up of 19 years in 1384 participants, there were 275 dementia events of which 73 were AD dementia. And 103 of 1831 participants occurred stroke during the follow-up nearly 16 years. After multivariate adjustments, individuals with the highest intakes of sugar in beverage had a higher risk of all dementia, AD dementia and stroke relative to individuals with no intakes, with HRs of 2.80(95%CI 2.24-3.50) for all dementia, 2.55(95%CI 1.55-4.18) for AD dementia, and 2.11(95%CI 1.48-3.00) for stroke. And the same results were shown in the subgroup for individuals with median intakes of sugar in beverage.

CONCLUSION

Higher consumption of sugar in beverage was associated with an increased risk of all dementia, AD dementia and stroke.

Antifungal activity screening for mint and thyme essential oils against Rhizopus stolonifer and their application in postharvest preservation of strawberry and peach fruits

AIMS

With a goal to identify specific essential oils that can control postharvest Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits, we performed screening for 26 essential oils based on their antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer in vitro and investigated the underlying mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mentha spicata (Ms), Mentha piperita (Mp), Thymus vulgaris CT carvacrol (Tc) and Thymus vulgaris CT thymol (Tt) exhibited strong inhibition on R. stolonifer growth in the screening. These essential oils increased plasma membrane permeability of R. stolonifer and resulted in the outflow of intercellular electrolyte, nucleic acid, protein and soluble sugar. Morphology of R. stolonifer mycelia was greatly altered by these essential oils. Hyphae treated by these essential oils exhibited high accumulation of superoxide anion and malonaldehyde. Combination of these essential oils in commercial package reduced Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits, with Mp showing the strongest efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Ms, Mp, Tc and Tt essential oils inhibited R. stolonifer growth by targeting its plasma membrane and reduced Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides potential applications of natural plant extract, as alternatives to tradition fungicides, to control postharvest decay on fruits and vegetables.

[Prevalence and influence factors of job burnout among hospital staffs-a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To explore the influencing factors of job burnout of medical staff and provide reference for the formulation of intervention measures. Methods: From November to December, 2018, a questionnaire survey was conducted among medical staff in a general hospital by using the research design of the current situation survey. A total of 1193 questionnaires were distributed and 939 questionnaires were returned, with a recovery rate of 78.7%, including 891 valid questionnaires and an effective recovery rate of 94.9%. Social support rating scale (SSRs) was used to evaluate social support, and Maslach Burnout Scale (MBI-GS) was used to evaluate job burnout. Single factor analysis was performed by chi square test and Fisher exact probability method. To explore the influencing factors of job burnout by using disordered multi classification logistic. Results: The average age was (27.47 ± 4.22) years old, female accounted for 71.5% (637/891) . The total physical examination rate of job burnout was 46.6%. The scores of emotional exhaustion, cynicism and decreased sense of achievement were (10.10±3.75) , (6.14±3.43) , (17.91±4.13) respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with the non detected job burnout, the young, working for 1-3 years, average sleep ≤6 hours, and poor social support were more likely to have mild job burnout (OR=0.91, 0.40, 2.25, 2.38, P<0.05) ; female, high night shift frequency in the past year, average sleep ≤6 h. Those with poor social support were more likely to have moderate to severe job burnout (OR=1.59, 2.94, 4.01, 2.40, 3.66, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Corresponding measures should be taken to reduce job burnout and improve work efficiency.

MicroRNA-22 targets FMNL2 to inhibit melanoma progression via the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

OBJECTIVE

Melanoma is regarded as one common malignancy in skin cancers, and there is growing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the oncogenesis of tumors. This study aimed to investigate the roles and mechanism of miR-22 in melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the expressions of miR-22 and mRNA. The functions of miR-22 in melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated with functional assays, including MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and transwell assay. Western blots were utilized to examine the protein expressions. Luciferase reporter analysis was conducted to confirm the interactions between formin-like 2 (FMNL2) and miR-22 in melanoma cells. FMNL2 expression levels in melanoma tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays.

RESULTS

The qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated significant decreased miR-22 expressions in melanoma tissues. Decreased miR-22 in melanoma tissues were correlated with adverse clinicopathologic features and poor prognosis. Functional assays indicated that upregulation inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration capacities. Luciferase reporter assays showed that FMNL2 was targeted by miR-22 in melanoma cells. Western blots indicated that miR-22 exerted anti-tumor functions by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that miR-22 served as a tumor suppressor in melanoma progression, implying that miR-22 may function as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for melanoma treatments.

SNHG7 mediates cisplatin-resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by activating PI3K/AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to clarify the function of long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) in cisplatin-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to explore the potential mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

SNHG7 expression in NSCLC and para-cancerous tissues was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Meanwhile, the correlation between SNHG7 expression with clinical stage and cisplatin-resistance in NSCLC patients was analyzed. After transfection of si-SNHG7 or p-complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (pcDNA)-SNHG7, changes in cellular behaviors of A549/DDP cells were evaluated, including cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cell cycle. The regulatory effects of SNHG7 on the expressions of genes were determined by qRT-PCR as well. Furthermore, Western blot was conducted to determine the protein expressions of drug-resistance genes minimal residual disease1 (MRD1), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), BCRP and relative genes in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway.

RESULTS

Compared with adjacent normal tissues, SNHG7 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues. Moreover, SNHG7 expression was significantly higher in advanced-stage NSCLC patients than those in early-stage. SNHG7 level remained significantly higher in DDP-resistant NSCLC tissues and cell lines as well. Knockdown of SNHG7 remarkably enhanced cisplatin-resistance in NSCLC cells, manifesting as decreased cell viability, migratory and invasive rates, DNA synthesis capacity, and promoted apoptosis. Meanwhile, SNHG7 knockdown down-regulated the mRNA levels of matrix metalloprotein2 (MMP2), MMP7 and MMP9 in vitro. After SNHG7 knockdown, the expressions of drug-resistant and relative genes in the PI3K/AKT pathway were notably down-regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG7 induces the development of cisplatin-resistance in NSCLC through upregulating MRD1 and BCRP via PI3K/AKT pathway.

Observation of compact ferrimagnetic skyrmions in DyCo3 film

Owing to the experimental discovery of magnetic skyrmions stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya and/or dipolar interactions in thin films, there is a recent upsurge of interest in magnetic skyrmions with antiferromagnetic spins in order to overcome the fundamental limitations inherent with skyrmions in ferromagnetic materials. Here, we report on the observation of compact ferrimagnetic skyrmions for the class of amorphous alloys consisting of 4f rare-earth and 3d transition-metal elements with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, using a DyCo₃ film, that are identified by combining X-ray magnetic scattering, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, and Hall transport technique. These skyrmions, with antiparallel aligned Dy and Co magnetic moments and a characteristic core radius of about 40 nm, are formed during the nucleation and annihilation of the magnetic maze-like domain pattern exhibiting a topological Hall effect contribution. Our findings provide a promising route for fundamental research in the field of ferrimagnetic/antiferromagnetic spintronics towards practical applications.

Influence of post-core material and cement peculiarities on stress of post-cores under ultrasonic vibration: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

AIM

To analyse the effect of post-core, and cement materials and thickness of the cement lute on the stress in post-core systems under ultrasonic vibration at different frequencies and amplitudes using three-dimensional finite element analysis.

METHODOLOGY

Eight three-dimensional finite element models of a maxillary central incisor with post-cores were established. Two post-core materials (Au and Ni-Cr alloys), two cements (glass ionomer (GI) and zinc phosphate (ZP)) and two cement layer thicknesses (50 and 150 μm) were considered. Vibration loads were applied near the neck on the buccal side of the core at frequencies of 10-40 kHz and amplitudes of 10-50 μm. The maximum shear stress of the cement layer and maximum principal stress of the roots and their distributions were investigated.

RESULTS

The stresses on cements and roots increased with an increase in the frequency and amplitude of the vibration load and elastic modulus of the cements, and decreased with increasing thickness of the cement layer and elastic modulus of the post-core. Maximum cement stress was observed on the contralateral upper part of the loading side, whereas the maximum root stress was found on the ferrule where the load was applied.

CONCLUSIONS

In this simulated model, the frequency and amplitude of ultrasound needed to remove a post-core were positively related to the elastic modulus of the post-core and thickness of the cement layer and negatively related to the elastic modulus of the cements.

Display of quintuple glucagon-like peptide 1 (28-36) nonapeptide on Bacillus subtilis spore for oral administration in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To develop an oral delivery system of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) (28-36) for treating type-2 diabetes, B.S-GLP-1(28-36), a recombinant Bacillus subtilis spores transformed with a plasmid vector encoding five consecutive GLP-1 (28-36) nonapeptides with an enterokinase site was constructed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

GLP-1(28-36) nonapeptide was successfully expressed on the surface of B. subtilis spores and validated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The therapeutic effect of oral administration of B.S-GLP-1(28-36) spores was evaluated in type 2 diabetic model mice. The efficacy of recombinant spores was examined for a period of 13 weeks after oral administration in diabetic mice. At the end of the sixth week, diabetic mice with oral administration of BS-GLP-1(28-36) spores showed decreased blood glucose levels from 2·4 × 10^{- 2}  mol l^-1 to 1·7 × 10^{- 2}  mol l^-1 . By the ninth week, the mean fasting blood glucose level in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group 30 min after injection of pyruvate. At the end of the 10th week of oral administration, the blood glucose of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group after intraperitoneal injection of glucose. By the 12th week, fasting blood glucose level and fasting insulin level were measured in all mice, the results showed that the recombinant spores increased the insulin sensitivity of mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of pathological observation showed that the recombinant spores also had a certain protective effect on the liver and islets of mice, and the content of GLP-1(28-36) in the pancreas of the experimental group was increased.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of this study revealed that GLP-1(28-36) nonapeptides can reduce blood glucose and play an important role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

A combination of three probiotic strains for treatment of acute diarrhoea in hospitalised children: an open label, randomised controlled trial

Acute diarrhoea continues to be a leading cause of morbidity, hospitalisation, and mortality worldwide, and probiotics have been proposed as a complementary therapy in the treatment of acute diarrhoea. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of three combined probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, as an adjunct to rehydration therapy in treatment of acute watery diarrhoea in hospitalised children. Eligible diarrheal children were randomised into intervention group (IG, n=96, conventional treatment for diarrhoea in combination with probiotics) and control group (CG, n=98, conventional treatment for diarrhoea without probiotics). The primary assessments of this study were duration of diarrhoea and hospital stay and improvement in diarrhoea symptoms. Significantly more children in the IG showed improvements in diarrhoea (defined as a decrease of stool frequency to no more than four times per day and an improved stool consistency within 24-48 h after the treatment) than those in the CG (96.9 vs 79.6%, P<0.05). Children supplemented with the mixed strains had a 22.5 h shorter (121.4±13.7 h vs 143.9±19.8 h) mean duration of diarrhoea and 1.2 d shorter hospital stays (5.1±1.2 d vs 6.3±1.4 d) than children only receiving the rehydration therapy (P<0.05). The prevalence of constipation of children in the IG (3.1%) was markedly lower (P<0.05) than that of children in the CG (13.3%) after treatment. In conclusion, the mixture of three probiotic strains given to children aged 1-3 years resulted in shorter durations of diarrhoea and hospitalisation and a higher percentage of improved children.

A targeted metabolomic profiling of plasma acylcarnitines in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a common liver disorder caused by lipid accumulation and insulin resistance (IR). Acylcarnitines have become a new biomarker of IR. However, their roles in NAFLD are still poorly studied. Thus, we performed a targeted metabolomic analysis to study the level of plasma acylcarnitines in patients with NAFLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The levels of 34 plasma acylcarnitines were measured by a targeted metabolomic approach in NAFLD patients (n = 50) and in healthy control subjects (n = 50) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics of all subjects were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The clinical presentation of IR was identified in the NAFLD group but not in the healthy control group. Significant differences were found in the levels of several short-, medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines. A high degree of correlation (r>0.7) was found between even-numbered-carbon long-chain acylcarnitines in NAFLD patients. The area under the receiver operator characteristic of long-chain acylcarnitines, especially C20 (AUC=0.952), C16:1 (AUC=0.949) and C14:1OH (AUC=0.944) acylcarnitines, was greater in NAFLD patients than in healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The accumulation and disorders of acylcarnitines are associated with NAFLD. A positive correlation between even-numbered-carbon long-chain acylcarnitines was found, and these even-numbered-carbon long-chain acylcarnitines. could be used as potential novel screening markers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Biological and Cognitive Markers of Presenilin1 E280A Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Colombian Kindred

The study of individuals with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease affords one of the best opportunities to characterize the biological and cognitive changes of Alzheimer's disease that occur over the course of the preclinical and symptomatic stages. Unifying the knowledge gained from the past three decades of research in the world's largest single-mutation autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease kindred - a family in Antioquia, Colombia with the E280A mutation in the Presenilin1 gene - will provide new directions for Alzheimer's research and a framework for generalizing the findings from this cohort to the more common sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease. As this specific mutation is virtually 100% penetrant for the development of the disease by midlife, we use a previously defined median age of onset for mild cognitive impairment for this cohort to examine the trajectory of the biological and cognitive markers of the disease as a function of the carriers' estimated years to clinical onset. Studies from this cohort suggest that structural and functional brain abnormalities - such as cortical thinning and hyperactivation in memory networks - as well as differences in biofluid and in vivo measurements of Alzheimer's-related pathological proteins distinguish Presenilin1 E280A mutation carriers from non-carriers as early as childhood, or approximately three decades before the median age of onset of clinical symptoms. We conclude our review with discussion on future directions for Alzheimer's disease research, with specific emphasis on ways to design studies that compare the generalizability of research in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease to the larger sporadic Alzheimer's disease population.