Effects of chronic dexamethasone exposure on bile acid metabolism and cecal epithelia function in goats

Bile acids (BAs) are synthesized in the liver via the oxidation of cholesterol and further metabolized by microbiota in the gut, where they simultaneously impact gut function. In the present study, 10 goats were randomly divided into 2 groups; 1 group was injected with dexamethasone (Dex; 0.2 mg/kg), and the other group was injected with saline as the control (Con) for 21 d. Expression levels of key genes and proteins in the liver and gut mucosa were analyzed and compared to investigate the impact of chronic stress on BA metabolism and related functions in ruminants. The results revealed that Dex decreased plasma total BAs (TBAs) concentration (P < 0.05) but increased TBA concentration in the cecal digesta (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol in the liver decreased moderately in response to Dex. The protein expression of cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 and cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1, 2 enzymes that control BA synthesis in the liver, remained unchanged by Dex administration (P > 0.05). The expression of several genes in the cecal mucosa encoding epithelial tight junction proteins, including occludin (P < 0.05), tight junction protein 1 (P < 0.01), and claudin 1 (P < 0.05), increased significantly in response to Dex, and expression of defensin beta 1, which can strengthen the innate immune system, was also upregulated (P < 0.05). In addition, BAs increased the expression of the Solute Carrier family 9 member A 2 (P < 0.01) that encodes a sodium hydrogen exchanger. These results suggest that the Dex-induced disruption of BA homeostasis might be mediated through a liver-independent pathway in goats, and the Dex-induced accumulation of TBAs in the cecal digesta may improve volatile fatty acid transportation and mucosal defense.

[A case report of cutaneous plasmacytosis]

A collection of plasma cells in the skin can represent a broad spectrum of disease entities. Secondary syphilis, primary cutaneous plasmacytoma, primary cutaneous plasmacytosis, cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia and nodular amyloidosis are considered possible differential diagnoses. The primary cutaneous plasma cell disorders can range from malignant to benign plasma cell neoplasms. The malignant conditions are neoplastic diseases having monoclonal proliferations, rapid progression and fatal outcome while the benign plasma cell disorders usually show polyclonality, chronicity and benign process, including plasmacytosis. We present a case of cutaneous plasmacytosis. The patient was a 34-year-old man, presented with disseminated reddish-brown plaques and nodules on the right side of the hips, inguinal groove, and the thigh. Histopathologically, mature plasma cells perivascular infiltrates were observed mainly in the dermis. Polyclonality of infiltrating plasma cells with coexistence of both kappa and gamma chain-positive cells demonstrated with immunohistochemistry, as well as CD20+++, CD38++++, CD79a++++, CD138++, Ki67<30%. The diagnosis, cutaneous plasmacytosis, was established by the pertinent laboratory findings. Primary cutaneous plasmacytosis was an uncommon reactive lymphoplasmacytic disorder of uncertain etiology. Cutaneous plasmacytosis is a rare disease characterized by peculiar multiple eruptions and hyper gamma globulinemia. It has been mainly described in patients of Japanese descent, with only few reports in Caucasians and Chinese, although information concerning the disorder was limited to individual case reports. Cutaneous plasmacytosis is a rare disorder, which is characterized by multiple red to dark-brown nodules and plaques on the trunk and usually associated with polyclonal hyper gamma globulinaemia. Primary cutaneous plasmacytosis or cutaneous plasmacytosis was thought to be a reactive process with unknown etiology. Histologically, lesions contain dense perivascular infiltration of mature polyclonal plasma cells without any atypia, in the dermis and subcutaneous fat. The clinical course is chronic and benign without spontaneous remission. Available treatments for cutaneous plasmacytosis include psoralen ultraviolet A radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy and intralesional steroid injection. The patient with cutaneous plasmacytosis in this report was treated with tacrolimus ointment and psoralen ultraviolet A.

Neutralization of Enoxaparine-lnduced Bleeding by Protamine Sulfate

It has been suggested that protamine sulfate is a poor antidote for the bleeding side-effeets of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) in vivo, since protamine sulfate does not completely neutralize the anti-factor Xa activity of LMWHs in vitro or ex vivo. Therefore, we performed experiments to compare directly the abilities of protamine sulfate to neutralize the anticoagulant activities of the LMWH, enoxaparine, and unfractionated heparin ex vivo, with its ability to neutralize the bleeding side-effeets of both compounds in vivo. Bleeding was measured as the amount of blood lost from 5 cuts made in rabbits ears before and after treatment with enoxaparine or unfractionated heparin ± protamine sulfate. Plasma anti-factor Xa and anti-thrombin activities ex vivo, were measured chromogenically. Doses of 400 and 1,500 anti-factor Xa U/kg of heparin and enoxaparine, respectively, were required to enhance blood loss to the same extent. Protamine sulfate completely neutralized blood loss induced by both compounds, but did not neutralize the anti-factor Xa nor antithrombin activities ex vivo. We conclude that protamine sulfate is an effective antidote for the bleeding side-effeets of enoxaparine and unfractionated heparin, despite its inability to completely neutralize their anticoagulant activities.

Impact of rare earth element-enriched yeast on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and fecal microflora in finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of rare earth element-enriched yeast (RY) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and fecal microbial flora in finishing pigs. A total of 100 finishing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] were used in a two-phase feeding trial. Pigs were randomly assigned to five treatments according to their initial body weight (five pens per treatment, two gilts and two barrows per pen). Treatments were basal diets, free of antibiotics [negative control (NC)]; NC + 500, 1000, and 1500 mg kg−1, respectively, of RY; antibiotics diets, NC + 500 mg kg−1 of tiamulin [positive control (PC)]. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly with increasing level of RY in diets. At the end of the experiment, blood lymphocyte concentration and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy increased linearly in pigs fed the increasing level of RY in diets. The better ADG, G:F, and fecal Lactobacillus counts were observed in both RY and PC groups compared with the NC group. In conclusion, diets with RY improved growth performance, digestibility, blood lymphocyte counts, and fecal Lactobacillus counts in finishing pigs, and RY may be considered as an alternative to antibiotics.

Swimming performance of 12 Schizothoracinae species from five rivers

A series of stepped velocity tests were carried out in a Brett-type swimming respirometer and the overall range in swimming performance for 12 Schizothoracinae species was measured. The relative critical swimming speed U_crit and burst speed U_burst decreased with body length, while absolute U_crit and U_burst increased with body length. U_crit increased with temperature up to approximately 15^° C and then decreased. Species with a high U_crit also displayed a higher U_burst .

Effect of mannose on the lung function of rats with acute pancreatitis

The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which mannose protects the lung injury induced in rats with acute pancreatitis (AP). An AP combined with Acute Lung Injury (ALI) model was established. A total of 90 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (300±50g weight) were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (SO group), severe acute pancreatitis lung injury group (SAP group), and mannose intervention group (MT group). Subsequently, each group was divided into two subgroups based on the time passed from intervention, namely 6 and 12 h. Each subgroup comprised 15 rats. The ratio of wet/dry weight of the lung tissue exhibited no significant change at different time points in the SO group. This parameter was significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the SO group at each time point of the treatment (P less than 0.05) and it was significantly lower in the MT group than that in the AP group (P less than 0.05) and it was significantly increased in the AP group at each time (P less than 0.05) compared with the SO group. The levels of TNF-α in the lung tissue in the SO group exhibited no significant change at different time points, but they were significantly decreased in the MT group at each time point (P less than 0.05) compared with the SAP group. The mannose receptor (MR) mRNA and protein levels in the lung tissues exhibited no significant change at different time points. The mRNA and protein levels of MR in the SAP group were significantly decreased at each time point (P less than 0.05) compared with the SO group. The mRNA and protein levels of MR, in the lung tissue of the MT group were significantly increased at each time point compared with the SAP group (P less than 0.05). Mannose could reduce the injury caused to the lung tissue of rats with severe acute pancreatitis by up-regulation of the expression of MR mRNA and protein.

Physiological responses to swimming fatigue in juvenile largemouth bronze gudgeon Coreius guichenoti

Stepped velocity tests were conducted on juvenile largemouth bronze gudgeon Coreius guichenoti in a swim tunnel respirometer, and oxygen consumption increased with swimming speed to fatigue and then decreased during recovery. Serum levels of total protein, glucose and triglycerides initially decreased, increased at fatigue and then decreased during recovery. Levels stabilized after 120 min, corresponding to the time necessary to recover from fatigue.

Molecular influence of anterior cruciate ligament tear remnants on chondrocytes: a biologic connection between injury and osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury initiates a cascade of events often leading to osteoarthritis (OA). ACL reconstruction does not alter the course of OA, suggesting that heightened OA risk is likely due to factors in addition to the joint instability. We showed that torn ACL remnants express periostin (POSTN) in the acute phase of injury. Considering that ACL injury predisposes to OA and that POSTN is associated with cartilage metabolism, we hypothesize that ACL injury affects chondrocytes via POSTN.

DESIGN

Cartilage was obtained from osteoarthritic patients and ACL remnants were collected from patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Crosstalk between ACL remnants and chondrocytes was studied in a transwell co-culture system. Expression of POSTN and other anabolic and catabolic genes was assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunostaining for periostin was performed in human and mouse cartilage. The impact of exogenous periostin and siRNA-mediated ablation of periostin on matrix metabolism and cell migration was examined. Furthermore, the effect of anabolic (transforming growth factor beta 1 [TGF-β1]) and catabolic (interleukin 1 beta [IL-1β]) factors on POSTN expression was investigated.

RESULTS

ACL remnants induced expression of POSTN, MMP13 and ADAMTS4. Periostin levels were significantly higher in osteoarthritic compared to normal cartilage. Exogenous periostin induced MMP13 expression and cell migration, and repressed COL1A1 expression while POSTN knockdown inhibited expression of both anabolic and catabolic genes and impeded cell migration. TGF-β1 and IL-1β treatment did not alter POSTN expression but influenced chondrocyte metabolism as determined by quantification of anabolic and catabolic genes via real-time PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

ACL remnants can exert paracrine effects on cartilage, altering cellular homeostasis. Over time, this metabolic imbalance could contribute to OA development.

MEG3 long non-coding RNA prevents cell growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA MEG3 (lncRNA MEG3) in osteosarcoma (OS) and further explore the underlying molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression profiles of MEG3 in OS cell lines and normal osteoblast cell line were detected by qRT-PCR. MEG3 was over-expressed in OS cell line by using LV-MEG3. MTT and colony-formation assays were applied for cell proliferation analysis. Cell migration assay was applied to investigate the cell migration ability. In addition, the expression levels of cell growth and metastasis related factors (Notch1, Hes1, TGF-β, N-cadheren and E-cadheren) were determined to illustrate the mechanisms.

RESULTS

We found that compared with normal osteoblast hFOB1.19 cell line, MEG3 was significantly down-regulated in MG63 and U2OS cell lines, particularly in MG-63 cells. MEG3 was significantly up-regulated in MG63 cells by LV-MEG3. Cell proliferation and migration ability were obviously repressed by MEG3 over-expression. In addition, MEG3 over-expression markedly inhibited Notch1, Hes1,TGF-β and N-cadheren expression, and the expression level of E-cadheren was improved.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that MEG3 could prevent cell growth and metastasis of OS by repressing Notch and TGF-β signaling pathway, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for OS treatment (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 30).

Transcriptome comparison of meniscus from patients with and without osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of osteoarthritis (OA) on the meniscus by comparing transcripts and biological processes in the meniscus between patients with and without OA.

DESIGN

RNA microarrays were used to identify transcripts differentially expressed (DE) in meniscus obtained from 12 OA and 12 non-OA patients. The non-OA specimens were obtained at the time of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Real-time PCR was performed on selected transcripts. Biological processes and gene-networking was examined computationally. Transcriptome signatures were mapped with 37 OA-related transcripts to evaluate how meniscus gene expression relates to that of OA cartilage.

RESULTS

We identified 168 transcripts significantly DE between OA (75 elevated, 93 repressed) and non-OA samples (≥1.5-fold). Among these, CSN1S1, COL10A1, WIF1, and SPARCL1 were the most prominent transcripts elevated in OA meniscus, POSTN and VEGFA were most highly repressed in OA meniscus. Transcripts elevated in OA meniscus represented response to external stimuli, cell migration and cell localization while those repressed in OA meniscus represented histone deacetylase activity (related to epigenetics) and skeletal development. Numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were DE between the two groups. When segregated by OA-related transcripts, two distinct clustering patterns appeared: OA meniscus appeared to be more inflammatory while non-OA meniscus exhibited a "repair" phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous transcripts with potential relevance to the pathogenesis of OA are DE in OA and non-OA meniscus. These data suggest an involvement of epigenetically regulated histone deacetylation in meniscus tears as well as expression of lncRNAs. Patient clustering based on transcripts related to OA in articular cartilage confirmed distinct phenotypes between injured (non-OA) and OA meniscus.

Application of 3D-printing technology in the treatment of humeral intercondylar fractures

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to compare conventional surgery and surgery assisted by 3D-printing technology in the treatment of humeral intercondylar fractures. In addition, we also investigated the effect of 3D-printing technology on the communication between doctors and patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 91 patients with humeral intercondylar fracture were enrolled in the study from March 2013 to August 2015. They were divided into two groups: 43 cases of 3D-printing group, 48 cases of conventional group. The individual models were used to simulate the surgical procedures and carry out the surgery according to plan. Operation duration, blood loss volume, fluoroscopy times and time to fracture union were recorded. The final functional outcomes, including the motion of the elbow, MEPS and DASH were also evaluated. Besides, we made a simple questionnaire to verify the effectiveness of the 3D-printed model for both doctors and patients.

RESULTS

The operation duration, blood loss volume and fluoroscopy times for 3D-printing group was 76.6±7.9minutes, 231.1±18.1mL and 5.3±1.9 times, and for conventional group was 92.0±10.5minutes, 278.6±23.0mL and 8.7±2.7 times respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the conventional group and 3D-printing group (p<0.05). However, No significant difference was noted in the final functional outcomes between the two groups. Furthermore, the questionnaire showed that both doctors and patients exhibited high scores of overall satisfaction with the use of a 3D-printing model.

DISCUSSIONS

This study suggested the clinical feasibility of 3D-printing technology in treatment of humeral intercondylar fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II prospective randomized study.

Identification of Functional Genetic Polymorphisms at IL-10 Promoter Region and their Association with Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Population

BACKGROUND

Pleiotropic cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been suggested as modifying risk for atherosclerosis. Promoter region genetic polymorphism of IL-10 gene is known to be associated with the level of IL-10 production. Through these effects, they might be involved with the ischemic stroke (IS). Our aim was to assess the nature of the functional polymorphisms in IL-10 promoter and any links with IS in Chinese Han population.

METHODS

The IL-10 -1082 G>A, -819 C>T and -592 C>A functional polymorphisms were determined by TaqMan SNP Genotyping assays in 1296 subjects (648 IS patients diagnosed by CTs or/and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 648 normal healthy controls from Chinese Han Population). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to show the association between the IL-10 genotypes and the IS events.

RESULTS

We found that the CC genotype of -819 C>T was more common in controls than IS subjects (P<0.05, corrected for multiple testing) in the Han population. CC carriage may be associated with the decreased risk of IS in the Han ethnic group (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.97). In addition, the CC genotype in -592 C>A and GG genotype in -1082 G>A are all extremely low in Chinese Han cases and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The G allele frequency at the -1082 promoter region of IL-10 was rare in Chinese Han population which are diffierent from American/European populations.. IL-10 -819 C>T may be an independent protective factor for IS in the Chinese Han population.

Phylogenetic reassessment of Nigrospora: Ubiquitous endophytes, plant and human pathogens

Species of Nigrospora commonly occur as plant pathogens, endophytes or saprobes, and have been shown to be extremely interesting for the discovery of novel metabolites. The familial placement, as well as phylogenetic relationships among Nigrospora species remain ambiguous. In this study, Nigrospora (= Khusia) is confirmed as a monophyletic genus belonging to Apiosporaceae (Xylariales), based on a phylogeny inferred from LSU sequence data. A multi-locus phylogeny based on ITS, TEF1-α and TUB2, in conjunction with morphological characters, host associations, and ecological data was employed for species delimitation in Nigrospora, as well as identification of 165 recently collected isolates from China, and three from Europe. In total 13 novelties are proposed including 12 new species and 1 new combination. Five species are re-described based on an examination of type specimens and/or fresh collections. New species described in this paper include: N. aurantiaca, N. bambusae, N. camelliae-sinensis, N. chinensis, N. guilinensis, N. hainanensis, N. lacticolonia, N. osmanthi, N. pyriformis, N. rubi, N. vesicularis and N. zimmermanii. Furthermore, N. vietnamensis is transferred to Arthrinium. Our results indicate a high level of species diversity within Nigrospora, with a general lack in host specificity. Taxa that cluster basal in Nigrospora have wide host ranges, whereas those that diverged later tend to have narrow host ranges. The currently available data suggest, therefore, that the general evolutionary direction in the genus Nigrospora is from a wide to a narrow host range.

Culturable mycobiota from Karst caves in China, with descriptions of 20 new species

Karst caves are distinctly characterised by darkness, low to moderate temperatures, high humidity, and scarcity of organic matter. During the years of 2014-2015, we explored the mycobiota in two unnamed Karst caves in Guizhou province, China, and obtained 563 fungal strains via the dilution plate method. Preliminary ITS analyses of these strains suggested that they belonged to 246 species in 116 genera, while 23.5 % were not identified to species level. Among these species, 85.8 % (211 species) belonged to Ascomycota; 7.3 % (18 species) belonged to Basidiomycota; 6.9 % (17 species) belonged to Mucoromycotina. The majority of these species have been previously known from other environments, mostly from plants or animals as pathogens, endophytes or via a mycorrhizal association. We also found that 59 % of these species were discovered for the first time from Karst caves, including 20 new species that are described in this paper. The phylogenetic tree based on LSU sequences revealed 20 new species were distributed in six different orders. In addition, ITS or multi-locus sequences were employed to infer the phylogenetic relationships of new taxa with closely related allies. We conclude that Karst caves encompass a high fungal diversity, including a number of previously unknown species. Novel species described include: Amphichorda guana, Auxarthronopsis guizhouensis, Biscogniauxia petrensis, Cladorrhinum globisporum, Collariella quadrum, Gymnoascus exasperatus, Humicola limonisporum, Metapochonia variabilis, Microascus anfractus, Microascus globulosus, Microdochium chrysanthemoides, Paracremonium variiforme, Pectinotrichum chinense, Phaeosphaeria fusispora, Ramophialophora globispora, Ramophialophora petraea, Scopulariopsis crassa, Simplicillium calcicola, Volutella aeria, and Wardomycopsis longicatenata.

Characterization of Causal Agents of a Novel Disease Inducing Brown-Black Spots on Tender Tea Leaves in China

A novel disease characterized by small brown-black spots (1 to 2 mm in diameter) on tender tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) has been observed in many regions of Hubei Province, China, which severely affects the yield and quality of tea. Tea leaf samples with typical symptoms were collected from three major tea-cultivation regions of Hubei, and were subjected to pathogen isolation for etiological analysis. As a result, 34 Pestalotiopsis isolates were obtained from 20 samples, and they were identified as Pestalotiopsis theae (14 isolates), P. camelliae (12), and P. clavispora (8), determined by morphologies and phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer, and partial β-tubulin and translation elongation factor 1-alpha genes. Pathogenicity tests on detached tea leaves showed that no matter what mycelial discs or conidium suspensions were used, inoculation of the Pestalotiopsis fungi could result in small brown-black spots (1 to 2 mm in diameter) on wounded leaves, similar to those observed in the field in the sizes and colors. It also revealed that only P. theae had pathogenicity on unwounded tea leaves, and P. theae and P. clavispora showed significantly higher virulence than P. camelliae. Inoculation test with conidium suspension on intact tea leaves in the field further confirmed that P. theae as the pathogen of brown-black spots. Reisolation of the pathogens from diseased leaves confirmed that the symptom was caused by the inoculation of Pestalotiopsis fungi. The P. theae isolates responsible for brown-black spots were also compared with those for tea gray blight disease in growth rate, pathogenicity, and molecular characteristics in parallel. To our knowledge, this is the first report that the Pestalotiopsis fungi cause brown-black spot disease on tender tea leaves. The results provide important implications for the prevention and management of this economically important disease.

[Application of autologous fat grafting in breast reconstruction]

Objective: To observe the outcome of breast reconstruction with autologous fat grafting in the patients following treatment for breast cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 22 patients after breast cancer modified radical mastectomy with fat grafting for breast reconstruction from January 2012 to March 2015 at Department of Body Contouring and Liposuction Center of Plastic Surgery, Hospital of Peking Union Medical College were analyzed retrospectively. The age of 22 patients (all female) was 28 to 54 years. Fifteen patients were performed breast modified radical mastectomy 5 to 16 year ago without radiotherapy, 7 patients were performed breast modified radical mastectomy following regular radiotherapy 2 years ago. Low negative pressure liposuction technical was applied to harvest fat tissue for 400 to 800 ml which was filtrated and purified by cotton pad method in low temperature environment. Fat grafting was performed with multi-level and multi-tunnel and in multi-point injection ways. All patients were followed up by regular imaging evaluation with MRI or ultrasonography after operation every 3 months. Results: All breast reconstruction were successfully performed in 22 patients, no severe complications occurred. Among 15 patients without radiotherapy, 12 patients were performed with autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction, 3 patients with prosthetic implantation for breast augmentation after autologous fat grafting. Among 7 patients with radiotherapy, 6 patients were performed with autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction, 1 patient with prosthetic implantation for breast augmentation after autologous fat grafting. The volume of fat grafting was 104 to 380 ml. It took 2.5 hours to finish the operation including 1.0 to 1.5 hours for liposuction and 40 minutes for fat grafting. Next fat grafting were performed after 3 months. The fat of the breast were survived well detecting by MRI, only 1 patient had a cystic nodule which had been resected during nipple reconstruction. Ultrasonography screened several cystic nodules with the major axis of 0.1 to 0.2 cm in the breast, which couldn't be found by palpating in 18 patients. The patients were followed up for 18 to 36 months, the outcome were satisfactory. Conclusion: Autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction simplifies the operation program with satisfied results and avoids the complications of breast reconstruction with skin flap.

[Percutaneous biopsy of the renal masses under ultrasound: a single-center 14 years experience]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic rate, safety and clinical application of percutaneous renal masses biopsy for advanced renal cell carcinoma patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we collected the data of renal masses from the patients who underwent renal masses biopsy under ultrasound from April 2001 to December 2014 in Peking University First Hospital. A total of 75 patients who were undiagnosed or diagnosed with advanced renal cell carcinoma by the imageological method were enrolled in this study. The patient and lesion characteristics such as tumor size, pathology of tumor, histologic subtype, pathological grade, biopsied location and biopsied cores were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among all the 75 patients, biopsy was diagnostic in 64 cases (85.3%) and non-diagnostic in 11 cases (14.7%). Of the 64 diagnostic biopsies, 60 were malignant, including 37 (61.7%) renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 13 (21.7%) urothelial carcinoma and 10 (16.7%) other malignant masses. Of all the RCC subjects, 24 suffered from clear cell RCC, 5 papillary RCC, 3 collecting duct carcinomas, 1 unclassified RCC and 4 unknown subtypes. The 11 non-diagnostic biopsied samplings included inflammatory, blood and extrarenal tissue and normal renal tissue. The proportion of collecting duct carcinoma in RCC was 10.8% and the proportion of squamous carcinoma in urothelial carcinoma was 23.1%, which were both higher than the previous research findings. For the male and female groups, non-diagnostic yields were 6.5% and 30.4%, respectively (P=0.022). Of all the 75 patients, 13 renal cell carcinoma patients underwent the surgical treatment and got the results of postoperative pathology. Comparing preoperative biopsy pathological diagnosis with postoperative pathological diagnosis, we found the diagnostic correct rates for benign and malignant lesions, pathological subtype and pathological grade were 100%, 81.8% and 60%, respectively. Mild macroscopic hematuria occurred in 1 case after RMB and there were no serious complications in all the cases.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous renal masses biopsy under ultrasound with a high diagnostic rate which can define the histologic subtype of renal cell carcinoma. With targeted therapy, more and more patients whose evaluation suggests local advanced disease or metastatic tumors adopt renal tumor biopsy to define the histologic subtype, which could avoid unnecessary surgical treatment.

[Clinical value of fluorescence in situ hybridization positive of exfoliated urothelial cells in urothelial carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical pathologic characteristics of cases with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) positive of exfoliated urothelial cells, so as to evaluate the clinical utility of FISH in the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (UC).

METHODS

A total of 271 cases of FISH positive in Department of Urology of Peking University First Hospital from Apr. 2012 to Sep. 2015 were recruited in this study. Retrospective analysis was made on their clinical data. For FISH analysis, labeled probes specific for chromosomes 3, 7, 17, and the p16 (9p21) gene were used to assess chromosomal abnormalities indicative of malignancy. The positive predict values (PPV) of all the techniques were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 271 patients, 207 cases were UC, 7 cases were non-UC, and 57 cases were benign diseases. The PPV of FISH in detecting UC was 76.4%, while the 95% confidence interval (CI) 71.3% to 81.5%. In the cohort of FISH positive, this value was similar to that of urinary cytology (PPV 86.8%, 95% CI: 78.5%-95.0%). The PPV of FISH was lower than that of cystoscopy and ureteroscopy (PPV 96.1%, 95% CI: 91.7%-100.0%). There were significant differences between this study and the PPV of FISH reported abroad (PPV 53.9%, χ²=33.048, P<0.001). Of all the UC with FISH positive, bladder cancer showed an earlier pathological stage versus renal pelvic carcinoma and ureteral carcinoma, with significance (χ²=5.894, P=0.015, and χ²=13.601, P<0.001, respectively). However, no difference was found in the size, pathological stage and pathological grade of tumors between the urinary cytology positive group and the urinary cytology negative group. The rate of high-grade UC in ureteral carcinoma of FISH positive was 92.3%, much higher than that of ureteral carcinoma reported domestically.

CONCLUSION

The PPV of FISH in detecting UC is higher relatively, with a better clinic value for Chinese patients. The ureteral carcinoma with FISH positive obtains a higher pathological grade, which is of great guiding significance for UC.

[Pickled food, fish, seafood intakes and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a case-control study]

Objective: To investigate the effects between fish, seafood and pickled food intakes on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: A case-control study was carried out in Fujian area during September 2010 to December 2016, in which 604 newly diagnosed primary OSCC cases confirmed by pathological diagnosis were collected from hospital and 1 343 control subjects were enrolled from community and healthy hospital population. Demographic data, history of smoking drinking and tea drinking, oral hygiene status and dietary behaviors (fish, seafood and pickled food intakes) were collected by in-person interviews using a standard questionnaire.Using unconditional logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the effects of fish, seafood and pickled food intakes on OSCC. Analysis stratified by smoking, alcohol drinking and bad prosthesis to explore the possible difference in association between subgroups. Multiplicative interactions and additive interactions between fish and bad prosthesis, seafood and alcohol drinking, pickled food and bad prosthesis were assessed by unconditional logistic regression, relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (S). Results: The average age of case group and control group were separately (58.69±13.92) years old and (59.27±11.37) years old (χ(2)=4.75, P=0.191). The people whose fish and seafood intakes ≥3 times/week had the lower risk of OSCC, the adjusted OR (95%CI) values were 0.63 (0.52-0.77) and 0.51 (0.41-0.64); The stratified analysis indicated that the people having bad prosthesis had the lower risk of OSCC if they eating fish ≥3 times/week, and the adjusted OR (95%CI) values was 0.53 (0.39-0.71); the people having bad prosthesis had the higher risk of OSCC if they eating pickled food ≥3 times/week, the adjusted OR (95%CI) values was 1.37 (1.02-1.88). Regularly eating seafood can decrease the risk of OSCC for non-smokers, smokers, non-drinkers, drinkers, people without bad prosthesis and had bad prosthesis, the adjusted OR (95%CI) values were 0.49 (0.36-0.68), 0.52 (0.37-0.73), 0.41 (0.31-0.55), 0.77 (0.51-0.96), 0.49 (0.36-0.67), 0.59 (0.42-0.83). Crossover analysis showed fish and bad prosthesis exist multiplication interaction relationship (adjusted OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.44-0.97) and additional interaction relationship (RERI=-0.81, 95%CI:-1.43--0.19; AP=-0.76, 95%CI:-1.35--0.17; S=0.08, 95%CI: 0.01-0.98); pickled food and bad prosthesis exist multiplication interaction relationship (adjusted OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.06-2.51) and addition interaction relationship (RERI=0.65, 95%CI:0.08-1.22; AP=0.36, 95%CI:0.10-0.62; S=5.19, 95%CI:1.32-54.49). Conclusion: Reducing the consumption of pickled food, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and regularly eating fish and seafood can prevent the occurrence of OSCC.

Common variants on 2p16.1, 6p22.1 and 10q24.32 are associated with schizophrenia in Han Chinese population

Many schizophrenia susceptibility loci have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in European populations. However, until recently, schizophrenia GWASs in non-European populations were limited to small sample sizes and have yielded few loci associated with schizophrenia. To identify genetic risk variations for schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population, we performed a two-stage GWAS of schizophrenia comprising 4384 cases and 5770 controls, followed by independent replications of 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in an additional 4339 schizophrenia cases and 7043 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. Furthermore, we conducted additional analyses based on the results in the discovery stage. The combined analysis confirmed evidence of genome-wide significant associations in the Han Chinese population for three loci, at 2p16.1 (rs1051061, in an exon of VRK2, P=1.14 × 10-12, odds ratio (OR)=1.17), 6p22.1 (rs115070292 in an intron of GABBR1, P=4.96 × 10-10, OR=0.77) and 10q24.32 (rs10883795 in an intron of AS3MT, P=7.94 × 10-10, OR=0.87; rs10883765 at an intron of ARL3, P=3.06 × 10-9, OR=0.87). The polygenic risk score based on Psychiatric Genomics Consortium schizophrenia GWAS data modestly predicted case-control status in the Chinese population (Nagelkerke R2: 1.7% ~5.7%). Our pathway analysis suggested that neurological biological pathways such as GABAergic signaling, dopaminergic signaling, cell adhesion molecules and myelination pathways are involved in schizophrenia. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population. Further studies are needed to establish the biological context and potential clinical utility of these findings.

Expression and clinical significance of rhubarb on serum amylase and TNF-alpha of rat model of acute pancreatitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of rhubarb extract on acute pancreatitis. Ninety-six healthy Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 301±5.12 g were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham surgery (group A), acute pancreatitis model (group B), acute pancreatitis with normal saline (group C), and acute pancreatitis model with rhubarb (group D). The levels of serum amylase (AMY) and TNF-α were measured at 1st, 6th, 12th and 24th hour after modeling, and the pancreatic tissue were used to observe the pathologic changes. Compared to the sham group, the serum AMY and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were significantly increased in the other groups (p <0.05). Compared to the model group and the saline group, the serum AMY, serum TNF-α level and pathological changes of rats in the rhubarb group were significantly lower (p <0.05). The serum AMY and TNF-α levels increased in acute pancreatitis. The rhubarb reduced the serum AMY and TNF-α level in rats with acute pancreatitis and reduced the pathological changes of pancreas and other tissues.

[The stimulation of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells by cigarette smoke extract contributed to cell senescence and induced human pulmonary artery smooth cell migration]

Objective: To observe the senescent effect of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAEC) stimulated by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and the effect of secretion of senescent cells on human pulmonary arterial smooth muscles cell (HPASMC) proliferation and migration. Methods: HPAEC was treated with different concentrations of CSE in vitro and cell proliferation was determined by CCK8, senescence cells analyzed by detecting the β-gal activity, and the senescent proteins of cells measured by Western blot. The concentration of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was detected by ELISA and the expression of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 was measured by Real-time PCR. The number of the proliferated cells was measured by Transwell assay and immunoflurescence. Results: The HPAEC was aging with the stimulation concentration of CSE increasing and the stimulation time prolonging (P<0.05). Western blot indicated that the senescent associated protein p53 or p21 increased markedly after 48 h and 72 h CSE-exposure (n=3, P<0.05). The SA-β-Gal staining showed that the number of senescent cells increased as the exposure time prolonged. Compared with the control group, cell viability of 48 h group(1.8±0.1) and 72 h group (1.8±0.1) decreased significantly. The flow cytometry showed a significant difference between the CSE group(14.1±1.2) and the control group(28.5±1.8) in S phase(P<0.01), indicating cell cycle arrest. The SASP was increasing as the CSE-exposure prolonged. Compared with the control group(177±39), the 48 h group(460±43) and the 72 h group(609±64) showed a marked increase in MCP-1(P<0.05). For TGF-β1, it had a same tendency and a significant difference between the control group(121±18) and the 48 h group(413±32) or 72 h group(606±67, both P<0.05). In the meantime, the bFGF increased after 48 h stimulation(291±13, P<0.05). Besides MCP-1, TGF-β1 showed a significant difference between the control group and the 72 h CSE-exposure group (P<0.01). Premature cells could secrete SASP which induced HPASMC proliferation. After different times of conditioned medium stimulation, HPASMC proliferated especially at 72 h(P<0.05) . The immnoflorescence and Transwell assay confirmed this finding. Conclusion: CSE could induce senescence of HPAEC and SASP production which improved HPASMC proliferation and migration.

Didymellaceae revisited

The Didymellaceae is one of the most species-rich families in the fungal kingdom, and includes species that inhabit a wide range of ecosystems. The taxonomy of Didymellaceae has recently been revised on the basis of multi-locus DNA sequence data. In the present study, we investigated 108 Didymellaceae isolates newly obtained from 40 host plant species in 27 plant families, and various substrates from caves, including air, water and carbonatite, originating from Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Africa, the Netherlands, the USA and former Yugoslavia. Among these, 68 isolates representing 32 new taxa are recognised based on the multi-locus phylogeny using sequences of LSU, ITS, rpb2 and tub2, and morphological differences. Within the Didymellaceae, five genera appeared to be limited to specific host families, with other genera having broader host ranges. In total 19 genera are recognised in the family, with Heracleicola being reduced to synonymy under Ascochyta. This study has significantly improved our understanding on the distribution and biodiversity of Didymellaceae, although the placement of several genera still need to be clarified.