Inhibition of Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/Tryptophan 5-Monooxygenase Activation Protein Zeta (YWHAZ) Overcomes Drug Resistance and Tumorigenicity in Ovarian Cancer

Background/Aims: Cancer stem-like cells are the main cause of tumor occurrence, progression, and therapeutic resistance. However, the precise signals required for the maintenance of the stem-like traits of these cells in ovarian cancer remain elusive. We have thus worked to elucidate the functional role of Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ), a gene encoding the 14-3-3ζ protein, in the regulation of multidrug resistance and stem cell-like traits in ovarian cancer. Methods: We detected the YWHAZ levels in human ovarian cancer specimens and cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blots. MTS assays, soft agar colony formation assays, migration assays, cell cycle analysis, sphere formation assays, and flow cytometry were applied to investigate the functional role of YWHAZ in ovarian cancer. Results: Our data reveals substantially increased YWHAZ expression in both cisplatin- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Silencing YWHAZ restored the sensitivity of resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin and paclitaxel. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that down-regulation of YWHAZ inhibited cell cycle progression, migration, and the expression of stem cell markers. Moreover, tumorigenicity was suppressed in tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mice following YWHAZ knockdown. Additionally, we demonstrated that the expression of YWHAZ was directly down-regulated by miR-30e in resistant ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion: Our results have led to new insights into the essential role of YWHAZ in the regulation of tumourigenesis, stem-like traits, and drug resistance in ovarian cancer, thereby helping to identify a potential target for ovarian cancer therapy.

Tumor-associated macrophages promote the metastasis of ovarian carcinoma cells by enhancing CXCL16/CXCR6 expression

This study investigated the underlying mechanism by which C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16)/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 6 (CXCR6) signaling is activated by tumor-associated macrophages and assists in regulating the metastasis of ovarian carcinoma. Specimens of ovarian carcinoma tissue and adjacent tissue were collected from 20 ovarian carcinoma patients. Human THP-1 cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages, which were then co-cultured with SKOV3 cells and low concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to simulate the inflammatory microenvironment of ovarian carcinoma. Additionally, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CXCR6 was transfected into SKOV3 cells; after which, the levels of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) protein and phosphorylated PI3K and Akt were measured. The migration and invasion abilities of the SKOV3 cells were also tested. The levels of TNF-α, interluekin-6 (IL-6), NF-κB p65, CXCL16, and CXCR6 expression in the ovarian carcinoma tissues were higher than those in the precancerous tissues. CXCR6 expression was positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-6, and CXCL16 expression. Co-culture of SKOV3 cells with macrophages significantly promoted CXCL16, CXCR6, NF-κB, and p65 expression by the SKOV3 cells, increased their levels of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt, and increased the migration and invasion abilities of SKOV3 cells. Silencing of CXCR6 or blocking the PI3K/Akt signal pathway markedly attenuated the expression of NF-κB p65 and phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, as well as the migration and invasion abilities of SKOV3 cells. These findings demonstrate that macrophages can promote the migration and invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells by affecting the CXCL16/CXCR6 pathway.

Ameliorating Effects of Leaf Water Extract of Three Aromatic Plant Species on Ozone-Polluted Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. 'Jiangjunyoudou')

Ozone (O₃) is one of the major pollutants in near-surface air. In order to protect sensitive plants from O₃ pollution, many kinds of protectants including synthetic ones, were assessed in previous studies. Although they have certain protective effects, some of them are not environment-friendly. In the present study, leaf water extracts of aromatic plants [Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus (PHT), Pelargonium hortorum (PHB), Tagetes patula (TP)] were compared for mitigating the damages caused by O₃ (150 ppb for 3 days, 8 h day^-1) on snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Jiangjunyoudou'). Our results showed that O₃ fumigation impaired plasma membrane, decreased chlorophyll content, increased contents of malondialdehyde and superoxide anion, inhibited photosynthesis, and caused visible injury. Leaf water extracts of PHT, PHB or TP ameliorated the negative effects of O₃. Among them, extract of PHT showed the greatest potential to alleviate the O₃-caused injury, followed by PHB and TP.

MicroRNA-508 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells through the MAPK1/ERK signaling pathway

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide. Despite advances in detection and therapies, it still represents the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the industrialized countries. Unfortunately, the molecular events that lead to the development of this highly aggressive disease remain largely unknown. The study explored the ability of microRNA-508 (miR-508) to influence proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OC cells. We quantified the level of miR-508 cancer tissues with corresponding adjacent normal tissues collected from 84 patients with OC. Human OC cells SKOV3 and A2780 were treated with negative control (NC), miR-508 mimics, miR-508 inhibitors, and miR-508 inhibitors + a specific MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor (PD98059) to validate the interaction between miR-508 and MAPK/ERK signaling. The miR-508 expression level was lower while MAPK1 and ERK expression levels were higher in the cancer tissues than in the adjacent normal tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated MAPK1 as a target gene of miR-508. The miR-508 mimics reduced the expression of MAPK1, p-MAPK1, ERK, p-ERK and Vimentin, inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased the expression of E-cadherin, while the miR-508 inhibitors resulted in an opposed trend in OC cells. The effects of miR-508 inhibitors on OC cells were lost when the MAPK1/ERK signaling pathway was inhibited by PD98059. Collectively, our data indicate that miR-508 plays a tumor suppressor role in the development and progression of OC and may be a novel therapeutic target against OC.

The prevalence of psychological comorbidity in people with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a chronic disorder causing skin depigmentation with global prevalence varying from 0·2% to 1·8%. U.K. guidelines recommend assessment of psychological state during clinical evaluation of vitiligo. However, the prevalence of psychological comorbidity in people with vitiligo has not been described.

OBJECTIVES

To establish the prevalence of psychological symptoms or disorders in people with vitiligo and describe the outcome measures used.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO to identify observational studies assessing the prevalence of psychological symptoms or disorders (December 2016). DerSimonian and Lard random-effects models were used to estimate the overall pooled prevalence.

RESULTS

We identified 29 studies with 2530 people with vitiligo. Most studies included a measure of either depression (n = 25) or anxiety (n = 13). The commonest tools were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Centre for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale. Ten studies provided information on 13 other psychological outcomes. Pooled prevalence using depression-specific and anxiety-specific questionnaires was 0·29 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·21-0·38] and 0·33 (95% CI 0·18-0·49), respectively. Prevalence was lower for clinically diagnosed depression (0·21, 95% CI 0·15-0·28) and anxiety (0·15, 95% CI 0·06-0·24). When nonspecific tools were used the prevalence remained similar for depression (0·27, 95% CI 0·08-0·46) but increased for anxiety (0·46, 95% CI 0·39-0·52). High heterogeneity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A range of psychological outcomes are common in people with vitiligo. The prevalence of anxiety was influenced by type of screening tool, suggesting the need for validation of psychological outcome screening tools in the field of dermatology.

Treatment results of adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy for low-risk Stage IB1-IIA cervical cancer

Objective

The aim of the present retrospective analysis was to determine the effectiveness of pelvic radiotherapy (RT) as postoperative adjuvant therapy for low-risk cervical cancer.

Methods

Between June 2003 and April 2011, the clinical data of 225 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IB1-IIA cervical cancer patients with low-risk factors were retrospectively reviewed, to analyze the relationship between adjuvant pelvic RT after radical hysterectomy and tumor recurrence or the patients' survival.

Results

The 5-year overall survival (OS) of 225 patients was 91.2% and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 84.5%. The 5-year DFS and local regional disease-free survival was significantly better for patients in the RT group compared with that in the non-RT group (5-year DFS, 91.2% vs. 77.1%, P = 0.006; 5-year local regional disease-free survival 94.6% vs. 79.0%, P = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the 5-year OS (92.9% vs. 89.4%, P = 0.371) and distant metastasis-free survival (96.4% vs. 96.5%, P = 0.887) between the two groups. Grade 3-4 treatment-related acute and late toxicities were not significantly different between the two groups. Subgroup analysis shows the 5-year DFS of RT alone, chemotherapy (CT) alone, non-RT/CT, RT and CT was, respectively, 90.5%, 62.9%, 81.4%, 92.5% separately (P = 0.002). The 5-year OS was not significantly different (91.6% vs. 78.2% vs. 92.9% vs. 96.9%, P = 0.887) between the four groups. Performing univariate analysis, postoperative CT was the only significant risk factor for DFS.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that postoperative adjuvant pelvic RT has a tendency to improve DFS especially local regional disease-free survival for FIGO Stage IB1-IIA cervical cancer patients with low-risk factors, without increased Grade 3-4 treatment-related acute and late toxicities, but non-standard CT is harmful to the prognosis (DFS) of these patients.

HIF-1α-l-PGDS-PPARγ regulates hypoxia-induced ANP secretion in beating rat atria

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) play important roles in cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, effects of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) on L-PGDS and PPARγ protein levels and its role in hypoxia-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion are unclear. In perfused beating rat atria, we observed that hypoxia significantly increased HIF-1α protein levels and stimulated ANP secretion, while upregulating L-PGDS. Hypoxia-induced ANP secretion was clearly attenuated by HIF-1α antagonist 2-methoxyestradiol, downregulating both HIF-1α and L-PGDS protein levels. It was also attenuated by L-PGDS antagonists, AT-56 and HQL-49, downregulating L-PGDS protein levels. In addition, hypoxia-induced ANP secretion was accompanied by increased PPARγ protein levels and was strongly attenuated by PPARγ antagonist GW9662. Hypoxia-induced increase in atrial PPARγ protein levels were dramatically inhibited by both 2-methoxyestradiol and AT-56. These results indicated that hypoxia promotes ANP secretion, at least in part, by activating HIF-1α-l-PGDS-PPARγ signaling in beating rat atria.

Ginsenoside Re prevents angiotensin II-induced gap-junction remodeling by activation of PPARγ in isolated beating rat atria

AIMS

Ginsenoside Re (G-Re), a major ginsenoside in ginseng, has many beneficial pharmacological effects on negative cardiac contractility, electromechanical alternans, antiarrhythmia, angiogenic regeneration and cardiac electrophysiological function. However, effects of G-Re on gap-junction remodeling are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of G-Re on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced downregulation of connexin-40 (CX40) and -43 (CX43) in beating rat left atria.

MAIN METHODS

In this study, the isolated perfused beating rat atrial model was used and atrial gap-junction remodeling was induced by Ang II. In vivo hemodynamic experiments were analyzed with a biological recorder. Changes in protein expression were analyzed by western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

G-Re attenuated Ang II-induced abnormal changes in heart rate, MAP, LVESP, LVEDP, +dp/dt max, -dp/dt min, P wave amplitude, P-R interval and P wave length. This indicated a dose-dependent preventive role against Ang II-induced hyper hemodynamics in rats. Atrial activities of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) were significantly increased by Ang II, as was expression of atrial collagen I and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Atrial CX40 and CX43 expression was downregulated by Ang II. These Ang II-induced atrial effects were blocked by G-Re, as well as rosiglitazone, an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), in a dose-dependent manner. However, this inhibition was abolished by the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662.

SIGNIFICANCE

G-Re may suppress Ang II-induced downregulation of CX40 and CX43, by activating PPARγ signaling, in isolated perfused beating rat atria.

[Value of non-invasive models of liver fibrosis in judgment of treatment timing in chronic hepatitis B patients with ALT < 2×upper limit of normal]

Objective: To investigate the value of non-invasive liver fibrosis models, FIB-4, S index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index(APRI), globulin-platelet(GP)model, aspartate aminotransferase/platelet/gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase/alpha-fetoprotein(APGA), and platelet/age/phosphatase/alpha-fetoprotein/aspartate aminotransferase(PAPAS), in the diagnosis of marked liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients with ALT < 2×upper limit of normal(ULN), as well as treatment timing for this population. Methods: A total of 389 CHB patients with ALT < 2×ULN who were admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital and whose treatment timing was difficult to judge were enrolled. Transdermal liver biopsy was performed to obtain pathological results, and routine serological tests were performed, including routine blood test, serum biochemical parameters, hepatitis B virus(HBV)markers, and HBV DNA. According to liver pathology, the patients were divided into non-marked liver fibrosis group(S < 2)with 324 patients and marked liver fibrosis group(S≥2)with 65 patients. The non-invasive models for predicting liver fibrosis was established with reference to original articles. SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to compare the value of different non-invasive models in predicting marked liver fibrosis in this population. Results: All the non-invasive models had a certain diagnostic value for liver fibrosis degree in these patients, and the areas under the ROC curve for APRI, FIB-4, APGA, S index, PAPAS, and GP model were 0.718, 0.691, 0.758, 0.729, 0.673, and 0.691, respectively. APGA had the largest area under the ROC curve(0.758, 95% CI 0.673-0.844), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was significantly positively correlated with liver fibrosis degree. Conclusion: The non-invasive models of liver fibrosis can identify marked liver fibrosis in CHB patients with ALT < 2×ULN in whom it is difficult to judge treatment timing and help to determine treatment timing for them. APGA model has the highest value and can reduce the need for liver biopsy to the certain degree.

Dendritic Cells from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Peripheral Blood Induce Th17 Cell Differentiation via miR-363/Integrin αv/TGF-β Axis

Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical regulators of immune responses. This study was to observe the effect of DCs from peripheral blood on the differentiation of Th17 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Peripheral blood samples were collected from 30 patients with RA and 20 healthy controls, respectively. Flow cytometry results showed that in contrast to Treg cells, the proportion of Th17 cells in T cells and the Th17/Treg ratio were both increased in patients with RA. The RT-PCR results showed that Foxp3、ROR γt and miR-363 expression in PBMC of patients with RA were reduced, but the ITGAV expression was increased, which was negatively related to miR-363 expression. IL-17, TGF-β and IL-6 levels detected by ELISA were increased in peripheral blood serum of patients with RA. Moreover, we noted that the CD11C⁺ αν⁺ /CD11C⁺ DCs ratio was obvious increased in patients with RA and has positive correlation to the Th17/Treg ratio. In cocultured system, Th17 cell differentiation was significantly inhibited in the presence of ITGF-β suggesting that Th17 cell differentiation was controlled by active TGF-β (aTGF-β). After DCs transfecting with miR-363 mimics and cocultured with T cells, Th17 cell number, IL-17 level and ROR-γt expression were significantly reduced in the presence of latent TGF-β (ITGF-β). In addition, the integrin αv protein expression was both reduced in the presence of aTGF-β or ITGF-β. These data demonstrated that DCs induced Th17 cell differentiation through miR-363/Integrin αv/TGF-β pathway in patients with RA.

Gallic acid increases atrial natriuretic peptide secretion and mechanical dynamics through activation of PKC

AIMS

Gallic acid (GA) protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, prevents cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and has anti-inflammatory activity in the heart. However, its effects in regulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the function of GA in regulating ANP secretion and atrial dynamics in rat atria.

KEY FINDINGS

GA (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1μmol/L) significantly increased atrial ANP secretion and induced positive inotropy dose-dependently. GA (0.1μmol/L) also increased plasma level of ANP and hemodynamics in rats. These effects were accompanied by upregulation of atrial protein kinase C subtypes β and ε (PKC_β and PKC_ε), which was completely blocked by LY333531 and EAVSLKPT, antagonists of protein PKC_β and PKC_ε, respectively. GA-induced ANP secretion was also attenuated by Gö6983 but not rottlerin, antagonists of PKC_α and PKC_δ, and the positive inotropy was reversed by Gö6983. U-73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) antagonist, mitigated the effects of GA on ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics and downregulated Phospho-PLC_β at Ser⁵³⁷ (pPLC_β S537), Phospho-PLC_β at Ser¹¹⁰⁵ (pPLC_β S1105), PKC_β and PKC_ε levels, whereas KN62, an inhibitor of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II, was not modified the GA-induced ANP secretion and suppressed GA-induced mechanical dynamics.

SIGNIFICANCE

GA promotes ANP secretion and effects positive inotropy with regard to mechanical dynamics through the activation of PLC-PKC signaling in rat atria.

Regulation of miR-33b on endometriosis and expression of related factors

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis is a common benign disease in gynecology, and can cause chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and even infertility. Its pathogenesis mechanism has not been fully illustrated. miRNA (miR) participates in various biological activities including cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, organ formation, inflammation and tumor. Its role in endometriosis has not been reported. MiR-33b is involved in cell metabolism, proliferation and invasion, but with its function and mechanism in endometriosis unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Real-time PCR was used to test miR-33b expression in ectopic endometrial and normal tissues. In vitro cultured endometrial cells were transfected with miR-33b mimic or inhibitor, followed by Real-time PCR for miR-33b expression. MTT method detected endometrial cell proliferation. Caspase 3 activity was quantified by test kit. Real-time PCR and Western blot measured effect of miR-33b on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9).

RESULTS

MiR-33b was down-regulated in ectopic endometrial tissues (p < 0.05 compared to normal tissues). Transfection of miR-33b inhibitor facilitated endometrial proliferation, decreased Caspase 3 activity, increased VEGF and MMP-9 mRNA or protein expression (p < 0.05 compared to control group). MiR-33b mimic suppressed endometrial proliferation, elevated Caspase 3 activity, and decreased VEGF or MMP-9 expression (p < 0.05 compared to control group).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-33b can mediate cell apoptosis, alter VEGF and MMP-9 expression and affect proliferation and apoptosis of uterus endometrial cells, thus participating endometriosis formation.

Adenosine A2 receptor activation ameliorates mitochondrial oxidative stress upon reperfusion through the posttranslational modification of NDUFV2 subunit of complex I in the heart

While it is well known that adenosine receptor activation protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury, the precise mitochondrial mechanism responsible for the action remains unknown. This study probed the mitochondrial events associated with the cardioprotective effect of 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido) adenosine (NECA), an adenosine A₂ receptor agonist. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30min ischemia followed by 10min of reperfusion, whereas H9c2 cells experienced 20min ischemia and 10min reperfusion. NECA prevented mitochondrial structural damage, decreases in respiratory control ratio (RCR), and collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Both the adenosine A_2A receptor antagonist SCH58261 and A_2B receptor antagonist MRS1706 inhibited the action of NECA. NECA reduced mitochondrial proteins carbonylation, H₂O₂, and superoxide generation at reperfusion, but did not change superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In support, the protective effects of NECA and Peg-SOD on ΔΨm upon reperfusion were additive, implying that NECA's protection is attributable to the reduced superoxide generation but not to the enhancement of the superoxide-scavenging capacity. NECA increased the mitochondrial Src tyrosine kinase activity and suppressed complex I activity at reperfusion in a Src-dependent manner. NECA also reduced mitochondrial superoxide through Src tyrosine kinase. Studies with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) identified Tyr118 of the NDUFV2 subunit of complex 1 as a likely site of the tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, the complex I activity of cells transfected with the Y118F mutant was increased, suggesting that this site might be a negative regulator of complex I activity. In support, NECA failed to suppress complex I activity at reperfusion in cells transfected with the Y118F mutant of NDUFV2. In conclusion, NECA prevents mitochondrial oxidative stress by decreasing mitochondrial superoxide generation through inhibition of complex I via the mitochondrial Src tyrosine kinase. Phosphorylation of Tyr¹¹⁸ residue in NDUFV2 subunit may account for the inhibitory effect of NECA on complex I.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ is essential for secretion of ANP induced by prostaglandin D2 in the beating rat atrium

Prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) may act against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and play an anti-inflammatory role in the heart. Although the effect of PGD₂ in regulation of ANP secretion of the atrium was reported, the mechanisms involved are not clearly identified. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PGD₂ can regulate ANP secretion in the isolated perfused beating rat atrium, and its underlying mechanisms. PGD₂ (0.1 to 10 µM) significantly increased atrial ANP secretion concomitantly with positive inotropy in a dose-dependent manner. Effects of PGD₂ on atrial ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics were abolished by AH-6809 (1.0 µM) and AL-8810 (1.0 µM), PGD₂ and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor antagonists, respectively. Moreover, PGD₂ clearly upregulated atrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the PGD₂ metabolite 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ₂ (15d-PGJ₂, 0.1 µM) dramatically increased atrial ANP secretion. Increased ANP secretions induced by PGD₂ and 15d-PGJ₂ were completely blocked by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (0.1 µM). PD98059 (10.0 µM) and LY294002 (1.0 µM), antagonists of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling, respectively, significantly attenuated the increase of atrial ANP secretion by PGD₂. These results indicated that PGD₂ stimulated atrial ANP secretion and promoted positive inotropy by activating PPARγ in beating rat atria. MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were each partially involved in regulating PGD₂-induced atrial ANP secretion.

The emergence of the hyperinvasive vine, Mikania micrantha (Asteraceae), via admixture and founder events inferred from population transcriptomics

Biological invasions that involve well-documented rapid adaptations to new environments provide unequalled opportunities for testing evolutionary hypotheses. Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae), a perennial herbaceous vine native to tropical Central and South America, successfully invaded tropical Asia in the early 20th century. It is regarded as one of the most aggressive weeds in the world. To elucidate the molecular and evolutionary processes underlying this invasion, we extensively sampled this weed throughout its invaded range in South-East and South Asia and surveyed its genetic structure using variants detected from population transcriptomics. Clustering results suggest that more than one source population contributed to this invasion. Computer simulations using genomewide genetic variation support a scenario of admixture and founder events during invasion. The genes differentially expressed between native and invasive populations were found to be involved in oxidative and high light intensity stress responses, pointing to a possible ecological mechanism of adaptation. Our results provide a foundation for further detailed mechanistic and population studies of this ecologically and economically important invasion. This line of research promises to provide new mitigation strategies for invasive species as well as insights into mechanisms of adaptation.

[Application of standardization of medical care model for chronic mild lead poisoning]

OBJECTIVE

To standardize the treatment and evaluate the clinical application effectiveness of clinical pathway (CP) in chronic mild lead poisoning.

METHODS

60 patients with chronic mild lead poisoning hospitalized from Jan. 2014 to Dec.2014 were enrolled for the study group, 60 patients with chronic mild lead poisoning hospitalized from Jan.2013 to Dec.2013 were enrolled for the control group. The study group were cared according to clinical pathway, the control group received routine therapy; the clinical application effectiveness were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

No adverse drug reactions occurred in both groups. The curative ratio was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (96.7% vs 86.0%, P<0.05) , the rate of patients' satisfaction to medical care significantly higher in the study group (98.3% vs 88.3%, P<0.05) , the rate of health education awareness higher in the study group (95.0% vs 81.7%, P<0.05) , the course of treatment shorter in the study group (3.2±0.6 vs 3.4±0.7, P<0.05) , the medical cost less in the study group (5773.5 yuan±1242.1 yuan vs 6354.7 yuan±1177.0 yuan, P<0.05) , the length of hospitalization was shorter in the study group (21.9 d±6.7 d vs 24.6 d±7.9 d, P<0.05). The variation rate of clinical pathway was 13.3% in clinical pathway group.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of clinical pathway could improve the curative ratio, satisfaction, and health education awareness. The course of treatment, length of hospital stay and costs of hospitalization in the study group could be obviously shorter and less, and there is a little variation rate in the clinical pathway.

Comparison of MRI, CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of local and metastatic of nasopharyngeal carcinomas: an updated meta analysis of clinical studies

BACKGROUND

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of MRI, CT and FDG PET/CT in TNM stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (NPC).

METHODS

Through a search of studies from 1996 to April 2015, pooled estimated sensitivity, specificity, pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves and Q*-index were calculated.

RESULTS

Totally 23 studies were included for analysis. In T stage, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and SROC of MRI were 0.95 (95% CI 0.93-0.97), 0.76 (95% CI 0.71-0.80), 86.85 (16.36-461.06) and 0.9213 (SE 0.0372) respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and SROC of CT were 0.84 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.88), 0.80 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.88), 6.32 (1.17 to 34.02) and 0.7215 (SE 0.054) respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and SROC of FDG PET/CT were 0.85 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.91), 0.91 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.96) and 0.8673 (SE 0.0311). In N stage, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and SROC of MRI were 0.88 (95% CI 0.85-0.90), 0.95 (95% CI 0.93-0.97), 93.68 (23.21-379.69) and 0.9153 (SE 0.099) respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and SROC of CT were 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.95), 0.93 (0.76-0.99), 93.81 (22.39-393.03) and 0.8872 (SE 0.0520) respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and SROC of FDG PET/CT were 0.88 (95% CI 0.85-0.90), 0.95 (95% CI 0.93-0.97), 93.88 (23.21-379.69) and 0.9153 (SE 0.0299) respectively. In M stage, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 0.53 (95% CI 0.35-0.70) and 0.99 (95% 0.95-1.00). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CT were 0.80 (95% CI 0.44-0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.86-0.97) respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and SROC of FDG PET/CT were 0.82 (95% 0.74-0.88), 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99) and 0.9002 (SE 0.075) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The analysis suggested that MRI had good accuracy in diagnosis of T stage. Whereas CT is currently a good performance in diagnosis of N stage, FDG PET/CT shows good accuracy in diagnosis of M stage.

A meta-analysis of the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and lung cancer risk

OBJECTIVE

The association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and lung cancer risk was not clear with small number of cases in each study. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the correlation between pneumonia infection and lung cancer risk by pooling the open published papers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the electronic databases of Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for publications related to the association between pneumonia infection and lung cancer risk. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the correlation. The data were pooled by Stata 11.0 software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA).

RESULTS

Thirteen publications, involving 2549 lung cancer patients and 2764 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that the C. pneumoniae infection significant increased the risk of lung cancer OR = 2.07 (95% CI: 1.43-2.99) by random effect model. And for serum IgG, 12 publications reported the IgG positive rate in lung cancer patients and relative healthy controls. The pooled OR was 2.22 (95% CI: 1.41-3.50) by using the random effects model which indicated that the IgG positive rate was significantly higher in lung cancer patients than that of healthy controls. The sensitivity analysis indicated the pooled OR was not sensitive to a single study. However, Begger's funnel plot and Egger's line regression analysis indicated significant publications bias for this meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the present published data, C. pneumoniae infection may increase the risk of lung cancer. However, for its significant publications and heterogeneity among the included studies, the conclusion should be interpreted cautiously.