Identification of a 62-kDa major allergen from Artemisia pollen as a putative galactose oxidase

BACKGROUND

Around 20 years ago, a 60- to 70-kDa protein was reported as a major allergen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen. This study was to identify and characterize its molecular properties.

METHODS

Sera from 113 Chinese and 20 Dutch Artemisia-allergic/sensitized subjects (and pools thereof) were used to identify the 60- to 70-kDa allergen. Pollen extracts of seven Artemisia species were compared by immunoblotting. Transcriptomics and proteomics (mass spectrometry) of A. annua pollen were used to identify the putative 60- to 70-kDa Artemisia allergen. Both the natural purified and recombinant allergens were evaluated for IgE reactivity by ImmunoCAP. Fourteen Chinese Artemisia-allergic patients were tested intradermally with purified natural allergen.

RESULTS

Immunoblots revealed two major bands at 12 and 25 kDa, and a weak band at 70 kDa for all seven Artemisia species. Using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, the high molecular mass allergen in A. annua pollen was shown to be a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase, with a putative N-glycosylation site. More than 94% of Artemisia pollen-allergic patients had IgE response to this allergen. Although recognition of a nonglycosylated recombinant version was only confirmed in a minority (16%) and at much lower IgE levels, this discrepancy cannot be explained simply by reactivity to the carbohydrate moiety on the natural allergen. Intradermal testing with the natural allergen was positive in five of nine sensitized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The previously reported 60- to 70-kDa allergen of Artemisia pollen is most likely a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase here designated Art an 7.

Virtual Planning and 3D printing modeling for mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap

Background

This study was to evaluate the use of virtual planning and 3D printing modeling in mandibular reconstruction and compare the operation time and surgical outcome of this technique with conventional method.

Material and Methods

Between 2014 and 2017, 15 patients underwent vascularized fibula flap mandibular reconstruction using virtual planning and 3D printing modeling. Titanium plates were pre-bent using the models and cutting guides were used for osteotomies. 15 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using fibula flap without aid of virtual planning and 3D printing models were selected as control group. The operation time was recorded and compared in two groups. Accuracy of reconstruction was measured by superimposing the preoperative image onto the postoperative image of mandible. The selected bony landmark, distance and angle were measured.

Results

The mean total operation time and reconstruction time were 1.60±0.37 and 5.54±0.50 hours in computer-assisted group, respectively; These were 2.58±0.45 and 6.54±0.70 hours in conventional group, respectively. Both operation time and reconstruction time were shorter in computer-assisted group. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative intercondylar distances, intergonial angle distances, anteroposterior distances and gonial angles were 2.92±1.15 and 4.48±1.41mm, 2.93±1.19 and 4.79±1.48mm, 4.31±1.24 and 5.61±1.41mm, 3.85±1.68° and 5.88±2.12° in the computer-assisted and conventional group, respectively. The differences between the preoperative and postoperative mandible is smaller in the computer-assisted group.

Conclusions

Virtual planning and 3D printing modeling have the potential to increase mandibular reconstruction accuracy and reduce operation time. we believe that this technology for mandibular reconstruction in selected patients will become a used method and improve the quality of reconstruction.

Key words:Mandibular reconstruction, fibula flap, virtual planning, computer-assisted design, 3D printing.

HPV16 DNA and integration in normal and malignant epithelium: implications for the etiology of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Molecular evidence suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) has a role in the etiology of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role of HPV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is unclear.

Patients and methods

We conducted a case–control study using tumor tissue specimens from 300 LSCC patients and vocal cord polyp specimens from 300 cancer-free controls. HPV genotype, HPV16 viral load and viral integration status, and p16 expression were determined.

Results

The prevalence of HPV (all types) was higher in cases than controls [21 (7.0%) versus 10 (3.3%), adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.37, 95% CI 1.08–5.21]. The prevalence of HPV16 was higher in cases than controls [20 (6.7%) versus 8 (2.7%), aOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.21–6.68]. The risk of LSCC associated with HPV16 DNA positivity was even higher in patients aged 55 years or younger (aOR 3.52, 95% CI 1.07–11.54), males (aOR 4.74, 95% CI 1.33–16.90), never-smokers (aOR 5.57, 95% CI 1.41–22.10), and never-drinkers (aOR 3.72, 95% CI 1.09–12.72). HPV DNA was partly or fully integrated in all 20 HPV16-positive cases but was episomal in all 8 HPV16-positive controls; however, the HPV16-positive cases and controls had similar viral loads (P = 0.28). P16 immunostaining was positive in 31 of the 300 cases (10.3%) and negative in all 300 controls.

Conclusion

These results suggest that prior infection with HPV16 may play a role in the etiology of some LSCC. This larger case–control study will offer for the first time the possibility to address in depth the understanding of a tissue-specific role of HPV in laryngeal carcinogenesis. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.

A preliminary study on topical ozonated oil in the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis in murine

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether ozonated oil recovery atopic dermatitis (AD) via immunoregulation.

METHODS

Mice were repeatedly challenged with the triplex allergens of staphylococcal enterotoxin B, ovalbumin and calcipotriol ointment on the back to develop AD lesions, and were treated with ozonated oil. The lesional skins were scanned by reflectance confocal microscopy to measure the thickness of epidermis. The skin tissues were stained. Th1-type and Th2-type cytokines in serum and in tissues were detected by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

Ozonated oil significantly inhibited inflammation and healed the lesions in 7 d. Ozonated oil inhibited NGF expression as compared to the groups treated with vehicle or PBS (p < .01).The serum proteins and lesional transcripts of Th2 cytokines including IL-4 and IL-31 were lower in the ozonated oil treated group than the groups treated with vehicle or PBS (p < .05). The IL-10 level was increased with treatment of ozonated oil (p < .01). On the other hand, the expressions of Th1 cytokines including IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the serum were not regulated by ozonated oil.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that ozonated oil could suppress inflammation in an AD murine via decreasing Th2-dominant cytokines response and increasing IL-10 expression. These suggest that ozonated oil may be a potential remedy for AD.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG16 contributes to glioma malignancy by competitively binding miR-20a-5p with E2F1

Glioma is among the most fatal and highly aggressive primary malignant tumors in the central nervous system. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) is identified to play an oncogenic role in several cancers. However, the exact mechanism of SNHG16 action in the regulation of glioma development remains unknown. LncRNA SNHG16 was increased in glioma tissues and cells compared with normal brain tissues and cells. SNHG16 expression was correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. SNHG16 and E2F1 contained a binding site of miR-20a-5p. miR-20a-5p was decreased in glioma tissues and cells compared with normal brain tissues and cells. Downregulation of miR-20a-5p was correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. In glioma tissues, the expression of SNHG16 was negatively correlated with miR-20a-5p. Downregulation of SNHG16 increased miR-20a-5p expression. miR-20a-5p mimic reduced the luciferase activity of SNHG16 and E2F1; miR-20a-5p mimic enhanced the inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT, and increase of apoptosis induced by SNHG16 knockdown. Anti-miR-20a-5p reversed the effects of shSNHG16. We also found that SNHG16 may act as a ceRNA for miR-20a-5p, enhancing the expression of E2F1. Additionally, knockdown of SNHG16 remarkably reduced the increase of tumor volumes in xenograft mouse models. In tumor tissues, knockdown of SNHG16 increased the expression of miR-20a-5p, reduced EMT and increased apoptosis. In conclusion, SNHG16 promotes glioma tumorigenesis by sponging miR-20a-5p, leading to the enhancement of its endogenous targets E2F1. The data provides a new clue for the role of SNHG16/miR-20a-5p/E2F1 in the development of glioma.

Analysis of the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and bone metabolism indicators in healthy middle-aged men

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between bone metabolic indicators and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in healthy middle-aged men.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The bone metabolic indicators of 232 healthy middle-age men with NAFLD (NAFLD group) and 308 healthy controls without fatty liver (Control group) were measured, including non-collagenous osteocalcin, the procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX). The Student's t-test was used to analyze the differences in the bone metabolic indicators, age, clinical data, biochemical indicators, and the indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism between the two groups. The correlation of fatty liver-related indicators was detected using the logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The body mass index (BMI), diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate in NAFLD group were significantly higher than those in Control group. Among the indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism in NAFLD group, the levels of blood glucose [fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)] were significantly higher than those in Control group. In addition, the insulin resistance and secretion indexes were also significantly higher than those in Control group. The levels of lipid metabolic indicators such as triglyceride were higher, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower than that in Control group. From logistic regression analysis, the BMI, Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-β, HOMA-IR, HbA1c and P1NP were positively associated with the occurrence of NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

The bone metabolic indicator P1NP might be a potential predicator for the diagnosis of NAFLD in clinical application.

The SET protein promotes androgen production in testicular Leydig cells

Approximately 40% of middle‐aged men exhibit symptoms of late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH). However, the mechanism of androgen deficiency is still currently unclear. As shown in our previous studies, the SET protein is expressed in testicular Leydig cells and ovarian granule cells. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the SET protein on androgen production in Leydig cells. The AdCMV/SET and AdH1siRNA/SET adenoviruses were individually transduced into a cultured mouse Leydig cell line (mLTC‐1) with or without human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) stimulation in vitro. The primary mouse Leydig cells were used to confirm the main data from mLTC‐1 cells. The SET protein was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of mLTC‐1 cells. Testosterone production was significantly increased in mLTC‐1 cells overexpressing the SET protein compared with the control group (p < 0.05), whereas testosterone production was significantly decreased in the SET knockdown mLTC‐1 cells (p < 0.05). Consistent with the testosterone levels, the expression levels of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and cytochrome P450c17α‐hydroxylase (CYP17a1) mRNAs and proteins synchronously changed according to the expression level of the SET protein. Interestingly, the expression of the SET protein was significantly increased in the mLTC‐1 cells stimulated with 0.04 and 0.1 U/mL hCG. In the mLTC‐1 cells transfected with AdH1siRNA/SET and concurrently stimulated with 0.1 U/mL hCG, both testosterone production and StAR expression were significantly lower than in the cells without SET knockdown (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the SET protein participates in regulating testosterone production by increasing the expression of StAR and CYP17a1, and it may be a downstream factor of the classic luteinizing hormone (LH)/luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) signaling pathway. This study improves our understanding of the intracellular mechanism of testicular steroidogenesis and the pathophysiological mechanism of LOH in the aging male.

B3GNT3 overexpression is associated with unfavourable survival in non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-3 (B3GNT3) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to investigate the relevance of B3GNT3 expression in tumour prognosis.

METHODS

In this study, B3GNT3 expression was examined in five pairs of resectable NSCLC tissue by Western blot and in 42 pairs of resectable NSCLC tissue by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry and statistical analysis were performed to assess the relationship between B3GNT3 expression scores and clinicopathological parameters, as well as clinical prognosis in a retrospective cohort of 176 NSCLC patients.

RESULTS

Both B3GNT3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in NSCLC tissue than in adjacent normal tissue. In the 176 NSCLC cases, a high B3GNT3 expression level was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and advanced TNM stage (P=0.043). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high B3GNT3 expression had significantly lower disease-free survival (DFS) (P<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.001) than those with low B3GNT3 expression. Moreover, in the multivariate analyses, B3GNT3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 0.329, 95% CI 0.213 to 0.508, P<0.001) and OS (HR 0.383, 95% CI 0.249 to 0.588, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that high expression of B3GNT3 was associated with unfavourable DFS and OS in NSCLC patients, suggesting that B3GNT3 might be a potential prognostic biomarker for NSCLC.

Enhanced normal-incidence Goos-Hänchen effects induced by magnetic surface plasmons in magneto-optical metamaterials

Goos-Hänchen (GH) effects at normal incidence are investigated for metamaterials consisting of an array of ferrite rods. A new effective-medium approach is presented and applied to retrieve the effective parameters of the magneto-optical (MO) metamaterials based on a transformation method. Giant normal-incidence Goos-Hänchen (NIGH) shifts on total reflection and enhanced magnetic switching effects are predicted near magnetic surface plasmon (MSP) resonances for structures with small effective permittivity. Numerical simulations are performed and the results are in good agreement with those from the transformation effective-medium approach.

A novel long non-coding RNATCONS_00001798 is downregulated and predicts survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

The morbidity and mortality rates of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are increasing worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may serve critical roles in oncogenesis and cancer progression. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of lncRNA TCONS_00001798 and the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure the expression of TCONS_00001798 in 118 paired NSCLC and adjacent non-tumor tissues. The association between TCONS_00001798 expression and patient clinicopathological factors and survival rates was subsequently analyzed. The results demonstrated that the expression of TCONS_00001798 was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (P<0.001). Additionally, the expression of TCONS_00001798 was negatively associated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and an advanced pathological stage (P=0.003). A Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that decreased TCONS_00001798 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates (each P<0.001). Furthermore, the results of multivariate analyses revealed that TCONS_00001798 expression may serve as an independent predictor for OS and DFS rates (each P=0.001). Therefore, the present study demonstrated that TCONS_00001798 may be involved in the oncogenesis and progression of NSCLC and that TCONS_00001798 may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in patients with NSCLC.

Targeting histone-acetyltransferase Tat-interactive protein 60 inhibits intestinal allergy

BACKGROUND

The overproduction of IgE plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergy; the mechanism is unclear. Histone-acetyltransferase (HAT) activities are required in gene transcription of a large number of molecules in the immune system of the body.

OBJECTIVES

This study tests a hypothesis that HAT Tat-interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the initiation of IgE-mediated allergy.

METHODS

The effects of Tip60 on regulating IgE expression were assessed with B cells. An intestinal allergy mouse model was developed to assess the role of Tip60 in the induction of IgE-mediated allergic inflammation.

RESULTS

High levels of Tip60 were observed in the peripheral B cells of patients with FA. Tat-interactive protein 60 (Tip60) was required in the expression of IgE and IgG1 in B cells by inducing the chromatin remolding at the gene locus, in which histone acetylation, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), and nuclear factor-κB at the locus of Iε promoter were markedly increased. Blocking Tip60 significantly attenuated the allergic inflammation in the mouse intestinal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Tat-interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the induction of IgE in B cells. Blocking Tip60 inhibits the allergic inflammation in the intestine, suggesting Tip60 inhibitor may be a potential anti-allergy drug.

The antibacterial activity and modes of LI-F type antimicrobial peptides against Bacillus cereus in vitro

AIMS

LI-Fs are a family of highly potent cyclic lipodepsipeptide antibiotics with a broad antimicrobial spectrum (Gram-positive bacteria and fungi). In this study, LI-F-type antimicrobial peptides (AMP-jsa9) composing of LI-F03a, LI-F03b, LI-F04a, LI-F04b and LI-F05b were isolated from Paenibacillus polymyxa JSA-9. To better understand the antimicrobial mechanism of AMP-jsa9, the potency and action(s) of AMP-jsa9 against Bacillus cereus were examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Flow cytometry, confocal laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy observation, as well as determination of peptidoglycan and cell wall-associated protein and other methods were used. The results indicate that AMP-jsa9 exhibits strong, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Moreover, AMP-jsa9 targets the cell wall and membrane of B. cereus to impair membrane integrity, increase membrane permeability and enhance cytoplasm leakage (e.g. K⁺ , protein, nucleic acid). This leads to bacterial cells with irregular, withered and coarse surfaces. In addition, AMP-jsa9 is also able to bind to DNA and break down B. cereus biofilms.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the action mechanism of LI-Fs against B. cereus was clarified in details.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for utilizing AMP-jsa9 or similar analogues as natural and effective preservatives in the food and feed industries. These efforts could also stimulate research activities interested in understanding the specific effects of other antimicrobial agents.

Claudin-3 Inhibits Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition and Invasion via Suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway

Altered expression of claudin-3 (CLDN3), a key cytoskeletal structural protein of the tight junctions in the epithelium, is associated with the development and metastasis of various human cancers. CLDN3 expression has been shown to be significantly associated with the prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC). This study investigated the role of CLDN3 in inhibiting lung SqCC cell migration and invasion as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. The CLDN3 levels were assessed between 20 paired lung SqCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. The ectopic CLDN3 overexpression or knockdown was generated by using a plasmid carrying CLDN3 cDNA or shRNA, respectively. CLDN3 expression was significantly reduced in lung SqCC tissues vs. the adjacent normal tissues. The ectopic CLDN3 overexpression markedly inhibited the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung cancer H520 cells, whereas CLDN3 knockdown had an inverse effect on SK-MES-1 cells. However, cell viability and plate colony formation assays showed that both CLDN3 knockdown and overexpression did not affect SqCC cell proliferation. Both tissue and cell data revealed that CLDN3 expression was significantly associated with the expression of the EMT biomarkers E-cadherin and Vimentin. Furthermore, CLDN3-modulated EMT and expression of the EMT markers were through regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study identified reduced CLDN3 expression in lung SqCC tissues, which was associated with the progression and metastasis of lung SqCC and was attributed to EMT by activation of the Wnt pathway. Thus, CLDN3 could be further evaluated as a novel biomarker for predicting the prognosis of lung SqCC and as a target for the treatment of lung SqCC in the future.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of Cimicifuga foetida extract in menopausal women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with Cimicifuga foetida extract in menopausal women.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 96 early postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to three groups: group A received 1 mg estradiol valerate daily plus 4 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate on days 19-30; group B received 1 mg estradiol valerate daily plus 100 mg micronized progesterone on days 19-30; group C received 100 mg C. foetida extract daily. The efficacy was evaluated. Safety parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients completed the treatment and follow-up visit. The modified Kupperman Menopausal Index scores decreased after 3 months in all groups. No significant changes were observed in the liver, renal function and components of metabolic syndrome in group C (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidences of metabolic syndrome among the three groups (p > 0.05). After 24 months, the endometrial thickness increased significantly in group B (p = 0.014), but not in the C. foetida extract group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

C. foetida extract is safe and effective for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Investigation of multi-cone geometry imaging with laser lights

A new x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer is developed for time-resolved measurements of x-ray line spectra. One of the main advantages is that it produces perfect images of a point source for each wavelength in a selectable spectral range. The other advantage is that the detector plane can have an arbitrary orientation with respect to the crystal surface. These unique imaging properties are obtained by bending the crystal into a certain shape, which is generated by arranging multiple cones from different aperture angles on a common nodal line. The test results were presented from optical tests of the multi-cone and single-cone structures. The numerical results on the deteriorations of the spectral and spatial resolutions are obtained due to the potential misalignments of the source. The concept of the configuration is considered to be particularly useful for high-power laser experiments where the size of the source is small and a wide spectral range would be diagnosed.

Coexistence of Eph receptor B1 and ephrin B2 in port-wine stain endothelial progenitor cells contributes to clinicopathological vasculature dilatation

BACKGROUND

Port-wine stain (PWS) is a vascular malformation characterized by progressive dilatation of postcapillary venules, but the molecular pathogenesis remains obscure.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate that PWS endothelial cells (ECs) present a unique molecular phenotype that leads to pathoanatomical PWS vasculatures.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the ultrastructure and molecular phenotypes of PWS blood vessels. Primary culture of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and in vitro tube formation assay were used for confirmative functional studies.

RESULTS

Multiple clinicopathological features of PWS blood vessels during the development and progression of the disease were shown. There were no normal arterioles and venules observed phenotypically and morphologically in PWS skin; arterioles and venules both showed differentiation impairments, resulting in a reduction of arteriole-like vasculatures and defects in capillary loop formation in PWS lesions. PWS ECs showed stemness properties with expression of endothelial progenitor cell markers CD133 and CD166 in non-nodular lesions. They also expressed dual venous/arterial identities, Eph receptor B1 (EphB1) and ephrin B2 (EfnB2). Co-expression of EphB1 and EfnB2 in normal human dermal microvascular ECs led to the formation of PWS-like vasculatures in vitro, for example larger-diameter and thick-walled capillaries.

CONCLUSIONS

PWS ECs are differentiation-impaired, late-stage endothelial progenitor cells with a specific phenotype of CD133⁺ /CD166⁺ /EphB1⁺ /EfnB2⁺ , which form immature venule-like pathoanatomical vasculatures. The disruption of normal EC-EC interactions by coexistence of EphB1 and EfnB2 contributes to progressive dilatation of PWS vasculatures.

[Comparative study of cytogenetic response evaluated by conventional banding analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization in chronic myeloid leukemia patients during tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment]

Objective: To compare the cytogenetic response detected by conventional banding analysis (CBA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and to explore the correlation between the cytogenetic and molecular response in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Methods: CBA, FISH and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) methods were performed to detect the cytogenetic and molecular response simultaneously in 504 bone marrow samples from 367 CML patients who received TKI treatment. Results: Among 504 samples, 344 were detected to reach complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) by CBA, while 297 samples reached CCyR by FISH which were considered to carry BCR-ABL positive cells<1%. When the results of CBA, FISH and RQ-PCR were compared in 493 samples at the same time, it showed that in 337 samples with CBA-CCyR, 273 (81.0%) reached FISH-CCyR and 289 (85.8%) were BCR-ABL(IS) (International Scale, IS) ≤1% by RQ-PCR, compared to 9.0 (261/290) were BCR-ABL(IS) ≤1% among 290 samples with FISH-CCyR. There was no significant difference in the median value of BCR-ABL(IS) between samples in CBA-CCyR and FISH-CCyR (0.21% vs 0.13%, z=-1.875, P=0.061) . Furthermore, when the samples were divided into three groups according to BCR-ABL positive cells (0,>0~<1%, 1%~5%) by FISH, the statistical difference was observed, the proportion of samples with BCR-ABL(IS) ≤1% in the three groups were 94.1%, 57.6% and 27.7% respectively (χ(2)=43.499, P<0.001; χ(2)=9.734, P=0.003) , while the median value of BCR-ABL(IS) were 0.10%, 0.64% and 1.80% respectively (z=-5.864, P<0.001; z=-4.787, P<0.001) . Conclusion: FISH results were in good concordance with CBA in identify samples in CCyR, FISH was more sensitive and had better correlation with RQ-PCR results than CBA, but how to define FISH-CCyR need further study.

Tailoring optical pulling force on gain coated nanoparticles with nonlocal effective medium theory

We study the optical scattering force on the coated nanoparticles with gain core and nonlocal plasmonic shell in the long-wavelength limit, and demonstrate negative optical force acting on the nanoparticles near the symmetric and/or antisymmetric surface plasmon resonances. To understand the optical force behavior, we propose nonlocal effective medium theory to derive the equivalent permittivity for the coated nanoparticles with nonlocality. We show that the imaginary part of the equivalent permittivity is negative near the surface resonant wavelength, resulting in the negative optical force. The introduction of nonlocality may shift the resonant wavelength of the optical force, and strengthen the negative optical force. Two examples of Fano-like resonant scattering in such coated nanoparticles are considered, and Fano resonance-induced negative optical force is found too. Our findings could have some potential applications in plasmonics, nano-optical manipulation, and optical selection.

Claudin-3 expression increases the malignant potential of lung adenocarcinoma cells: role of epidermal growth factor receptor activation

Claudins are essential for the formation and maintenance of tight junctions (TJ). The altered expression of claudin proteins has been described in a variety of malignancies. However, the alteration of these proteins in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) are poorly understood. Therefore, we report, based on the protein expression analysis of a total of 275 patient samples, that claudin-3 (CLDN3) expression is significantly increased in ADC tissues and is associated with cancer progression, correlating significantly with the poor survival of ADC patients (p=0.041&0.029). More importantly, forcing CLDN3 expression in ADC cells without endogenous CLDN3 expression resulted in significant increases in the cell proliferation, anchorage-dependent growth, migration and drug-resistance. In addition, epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling pathway modulates the expression of claudins in a number of solid tumors. However, the mechanism of tight junction regulation by EGF in ADC remains unclear. To investigate this mechanisms, ADC cell lines were treated with EGF and its inhibitor. EGF unregulated CLDN3 expression via the MEK/ERK or PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and was required for the maintenance of baseline CLDN3 expression. Furthermore, downregulation of CLDN3 expression in ADC cell was found to prevent the EGF-induced increase in cell proliferation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a novel role of CLDN3 overexpression in promoting the malignant potential of lung adenocarcinoma. This function is potentially regulated by the EGF-activated MEK/ERK and PI3K-Akt pathways.

Hypotonicity promotes epithelial gap closure by lamellipodial protrusion

The closure of gaps within epithelia is an essential part of many physiological and pathological processes, such as embryonic development, organ remodeling and wound healing. Emerging evidence proved that the physical microenvironment plays important roles in cell behaviors. However, the effect of osmolarity of extracellular medium on gap closure is least understood. Using a gap closure model of epithelial cells, we found that hypotonic condition significantly facilitated the process of gap closure. Moreover, instead of actomyosin ring, enhanced migration leading by lamellipodia primarily contributed to the rapid gap closure in hypotonic condition. These findings provide insights for understanding the physiology of epithelial gap closure.

[Association between ribavirin plasma concentration and sustained virologic response in treatment of patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α-2b and ribavirin]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the dose and plasma concentration of ribavirin (RBV) and sustained virologic response (SVR) during the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with pegylated interferon-α-2b (PEG-IFN-α-2b) and RBV.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who were treated with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV as the antiviral treatment were enrolled, and according to the therapeutic effect (SVR was defined as HCV RNA maintained below the lower limit of detection at 24 weeks after drug discontinuation in patients who achieved virologic response at the end of treatment, and recurrence was defined as HCV RNA turning positive), these patients were divided into SVR group (20 patients aged 19-55 years, including 10 male patients) and recurrence group (20 patients aged 21-76 years, including 12 male patients). The HPLC-MS/MS was used to measure the RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment. The t-test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

During the antiviral treatment, the dose of RBV showed a significant difference between the two groups (15.01 ± 1.21 mg/kg vs 10.28 ± 2.81 mg/kg,t= 6.908,P= 0.000). The area under the ROC curve reached 0.96 (95%CI0.00-1.00,P= 0.000), suggesting that the dose of RBV had a high value in predicting SVR. When the dose of RBV was higher than 13.05 mg/kg (sensitivity 100%; specificity 85%), the possibility of achieving SVR was also increased. The RBV plasma concentrations in the SVR group at weeks 4,12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 1 894.8 ± 740.7 ng/ml, 2 029.9 ± 547.7 ng/ml, 2 011.8 ± 354.2 ng/ml, and2 093.5 ± 540.3 ng/ml, respectively, and those in the recurrence group were 1 223.1 ± 722.7 ng/ml, 1 286.9±685.4 ng/ml, 1304.7 ± 692.0 ng/ml, and 1 221.3 ± 655.3 ng/ml, respectively. The RBV plasma concentration at each time point showed significant differences between the two groups (t= 2.903,P= 0.006;t= 3.787,P= 0.001;t= 4.068,P= 0.000;t= 4.593,P= 0.000). The results of ROC analysis showed that the areas under the ROC curve at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 0.76 (95%CI0.61-0.92,P= 0.005), 0.83 (95%CI0.68-0.97,P= 0.000), 0.83 (95%CI0.69-0.98,P= 0.000), and 0.86 (95%CI0.72-1.00,P= 0.000), respectively, suggesting that the RBV plasma concentration had a high value in predicting SVR. When the cut-off values of RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were higher than 1262.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 90%; specificity 60%), 1432 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), 1427 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), and 1610 ng/ml (sensitivity 95%; specificity 80%), respectively, there was a greater possibility of achieving SVR.

CONCLUSION

During the antiviral treatment with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV, the dose and plasma concentration of RBV have a high value in predicting the recurrence of CHC and the possibility of SVR.

[Diagnostic values of BRAF(V600E) mutation analysis and Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology in thyroid nodules with TIRADS 4 and 5]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of BRAF(V600E) testing and Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (BSRTC) in thyroid nodules with thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) category 4 and 5. Methods: A total of 187 thyroid nodules in 187 patients underwent the examinations of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and BRAF(V600E) mutation were analyzed retrospectively. Receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the diagnostic values of both methods and the clinical application of BRAF(V600E) combined with BSRTC was evaluated. SPSS17.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: Among 187 thyroid nodules, 123 were malignant nodules confirmed with histopathological examination and 64 benign nodules determined by FNAC, histopathological examination, or long-term follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of BRAF(V600E) test were better than those of BSRTC [69.1%, 98.4%, 98.8%, 62.4%(χ(2)=77.3, P=0.000) vs 62.6%, 93.8%, 95.1%, 56.6%(χ(2)=54.4, P=0.000)]. While the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the combined test of BRAF(V600E) and BSRTC for diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules were 87.8%, 92.2%, 95.6%, 79.7%(χ(2)=112.6, P=0.000), respectively. The area under the ROC curve for the combined test was higher than that for each of tests (0.900 vs 0.858 or 0.838). Conclusions: The combined test of BRAF(V600E) mutation and BSRTC has a higher diagnostic efficacy for malignant thyroid nodules compared with BRAF(V600E) mutation or BSRTC alone.

Reactor for nano-focused x-ray diffraction and imaging under catalytic in situ conditions

A reactor cell for in situ studies of individual catalyst nanoparticles or surfaces by nano-focused (coherent) x-ray diffraction has been developed. Catalytic reactions can be studied in flow mode in a pressure range of 10^-2-10³ mbar and temperatures up to 900 °C. This instrument bridges the pressure and materials gap at the same time within one experimental setup. It allows us to probe in situ the structure (e.g., shape, size, strain, faceting, composition, and defects) of individual nanoparticles using a nano-focused x-ray beam. Here, the setup was used to observe strain and facet evolution of individual model Pt catalysts during in situ experiments. It can be used for heating other (non-catalytically active) nanoparticles (e.g., nanowires) in inert or reactive gas atmospheres or vacuum as well.

Prognostic value of combination of preoperative platelet count and mean platelet volume in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of the combination of preoperative platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with primary operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We retrospectively analysed data from 546 patients with NSCLC who underwent complete resection at our institution from 2006 to 2010. Patients’ clinical characteristics and laboratory test data at initial diagnosis were collected. Both preoperative PLT and MPV (COP-MPV) were calculated on the basis of the data obtained using the recommended cut-off values of 300 × 10⁹ L⁻¹ and 11.0 fL, respectively. Patients with both an elevated PLT (≥300× 10⁹ L⁻¹) and a decreased MPV (<11.0 fL) were assigned a score of 2, and patients showing one or neither were allocated a score of 1 or 0, respectively. Multivariate analysis of the 9 clinical laboratory variables selected by univariate analysis revealed that preoperative COP-MPV was a significantly independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio, 1.775; 95% confidence interval, 1.500–2.101; P< 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio, 1.719; 95% confidence interval, 1.454–2.033; P< 0.001). In subgroup analyses for tumour pathological stage (I/II/IIIA) patients, we found that the level of COP-MPV was significantly associated with OS and DFS in each subgroup (P< 0.001, P< 0.001, P<0.001 for OS and P<0.001, P< 0.001, P=0.001 for DFS, respectively). In conclusion, the preoperative COP-MPV is a promising predictor of postoperative survival in patients with NSCLC and could classify these patients into three independent groups before surgery.

Apical stress distribution under vertical compaction of gutta-percha and occlusal loads in canals with varying apical sizes: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

AIM

To investigate and compare the effects of two apical canal instrumentation protocols on apical stress distribution at the root apex under vertical compaction of gutta-percha and occlusal loads using finite element analysis.

METHODOLOGY

Three finite element analysis models of a mandibular first premolar were reconstructed: an original canal model, a size 35, .04 taper apical canal enlargement model and a Lightspeed size 60 apical canal enlargement model. A 15 N compaction force was applied vertically to the gutta-percha 5 mm from the apex. A 175 N occlusal load in two directions (vertical and 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth) was simulated. Stresses in the apical 2 mm of the root were calculated and compared among the three models.

RESULTS

Under vertical compaction, stresses in the apical canal instrumented by Lightspeed size 60 (maximal 3.3 MPa) were higher than that of the size 35, .04 taper model (maximal 1.3 MPa). In the case of the two occlusal forces, the Lightspeed size 60 apical enlargement was associated with the greatest stress distribution in the apical region. The greatest stress and the most obvious stress difference between the models appeared at the tip of the root when occlusal and vertical compaction loads were applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Apical enlargement caused stress distribution changes in the apical region of roots. The larger apical size led to higher stress concentration at the root apex.

Elevated levels of ferritin in the cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to detect changes in the levels of ferritin heavy chain (FHC), ferritin light chain (FLC), and transferrin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and to analyze the correlations between the levels of these proteins and various clinical parameters.

METHODS

Cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples were obtained from 54 ALS patients and 46 non-inflammatory neurological disease control (non-INDC) patients. CSF and serum FHC, FLC, and transferring levels were measured via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method using a commercial ELISA kit, and the times from onset (durations), ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-r) scores, and disease progression rates (DPRs) were analyzed by registered neurologists. Statistical analysis was performed via Prism software.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, ALS patients exhibited significantly increased FHC and FLC levels in CSF, which were positively correlated with DPR and negatively correlated with duration. Serum transferrin levels were significantly increased in ALS patients but were not correlated with disease progression. FHC and FLC in CSF rapidly increased as the disease worsened.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the clinical measurement of FHC and FLC in CSF may be beneficial for disease differentiation and evaluating progression in patients with ALS. Compared with levels in serum, the levels of FHC and FLC in CSF might be more reliable for diagnosing and assessing the progression of ALS.

Computational design of a specific heavy chain/κ light chain interface for expressing fully IgG bispecific antibodies

The use of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) to treat human diseases is on the rise. Increasingly complex and powerful therapeutic mechanisms made possible by BsAbs are spurring innovation of novel BsAb formats and methods for their production. The long-lived in vivo pharmacokinetics, optimal biophysical properties and potential effector functions of natural IgG monoclonal (and monospecific) antibodies has resulted in a push to generate fully IgG BsAb formats with the same quaternary structure as monoclonal IgGs. The production of fully IgG BsAbs is challenging because of the highly heterogeneous pairing of heavy chains (HCs) and light chains (LCs) when produced in mammalian cells with two IgG HCs and two LCs. A solution to the HC heterodimerization aspect of IgG BsAb production was first discovered two decades ago; however, addressing the LC mispairing issue has remained intractable until recently. Here, we use computational and rational engineering to develop novel designs to the HC/LC pairing issue, and particularly for κ LCs. Crystal structures of these designs highlight the interactions that provide HC/LC specificity. We produce and characterize multiple fully IgG BsAbs using these novel designs. We demonstrate the importance of specificity engineering in both the variable and constant domains to achieve robust HC/LC specificity within all the BsAbs. These solutions facilitate the production of fully IgG BsAbs for clinical use.

A genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes for the supernumerary nipple phenotype in sheep (Ovis aries)

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been widely applied in livestock to identify genes associated with traits of economic interest. Here, we conducted the first GWAS of the supernumerary nipple phenotype in Wadi sheep, a native Chinese sheep breed, based on Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip genotypes in a total of 144 ewes (75 cases with four teats, including two normal and two supernumerary teats, and 69 control cases with two teats). We detected 63 significant SNPs at the chromosome-wise threshold. Additionally, one candidate region (chr1: 170.723-170.734 Mb) was identified by haplotype-based association tests, with one SNP (rs413490006) surrounding functional genes BBX and CD47 on chromosome 1 being commonly identified as significant by the two mentioned analyses. Moreover, Gene Ontology enrichment for the significant SNPs identified by the GWAS analysis was functionally clustered into the categories of receptor activity and synaptic membrane. In addition, pathway mapping revealed four promising pathways (Wnt, oxytocin, MAPK and axon guidance) involved in the development of the supernumerary nipple phenotype. Our results provide novel and important insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotype of supernumerary nipples in mammals, including humans. These findings may be useful for future breeding and genetics in sheep and other livestock.

Increased expression of programmed cell death protein 1 on NK cells inhibits NK-cell-mediated anti-tumor function and indicates poor prognosis in digestive cancers

Abnormal expression of activating/inhibitory receptors leads to natural killer (NK) cells dysfunction in tumor. Here we show that programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), a well-known immune checkpoint of T cells, is highly expressed on peripheral and tumor-infiltrating NK cells from patients with digestive cancers including esophageal, liver, colorectal, gastric and biliary cancer. The increased PD-1 expression on NK cells indicates poorer survival in esophageal and liver cancers. Blocking PD-1/PD-L1 signaling markedly enhances cytokines production and degranulation and suppresses apoptosis of NK cells in vitro. PD-1/PD-L1 exerts inhibitory effect through repressing the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in NK cells. More importantly, a PD-1 blocking antibody was found to significantly suppress the growth of xenografts in nude mice, and this inhibition of tumor growth was completely abrogated by NK depletion. These findings strongly suggested that PD-1 is an inhibitory regulator of NK cells in digestive cancers. PD-1 blockade might be an efficient strategy in NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy.

Genome-wide association analysis identifies the genetic basis of fat deposition in the tails of sheep (Ovis aries)

Fat-tailed sheep (Ovis aries) can survive in harsh environments and satisfy human's intake of dietary fat. However, the animals require more feed, which increases the cost of farming. Thus, most farmers currently prefer thin-tailed, short-tailed or docked sheep. To date, the molecular mechanism of the formation of fat tails in sheep has not been completely elucidated. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study using phenotypes and genotypes (the Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip genotype data) of two breeds of contrasting tail types (78 Small-tailed and 78 Large-tailed Han sheep breeds) to identify functional genes and variants associated with fat deposition. We identified four significantly (rs416433540, rs409848439, rs408118325 and rs402128848) and three approximately associated autosomal SNPs (rs401248376, rs402445895 and rs416201901). Gene annotation indicated that the surrounding genes (CREB1, STEAP4, CTBP1 and RIP140, also known as NRIP1) function in lipid storage or fat cell regulation. Furthermore, through an X-chromosome-wide association analysis, we detected significantly associated SNPs in the OARX: 88-89 Mb region, which could be a strong candidate genomic region for fat deposition in tails of sheep. Our results represent a new genomic resource for sheep genetics and breeding. In addition, the findings provide novel insights into genetic mechanisms of fat deposition in the tail of sheep and other mammals.

The use of susceptibility-weighted imaging to detect cerebral microbleeds after lacunar infarction

OBJECTIVE

To study the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) technology to detect cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in senile cerebral lacunar infarction patients; and to evaluate the complicated cerebral hemorrhage risk after patients with CMBs took aspirin, an antiplatelet medication or received anticoagulant therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MRI scanning, using GRE-T2*WI, SWI and FSE sequences (T1WI, T2WI, and T2FLAIR), was performed on the three groups: (1) a cerebral lacunar infarction group; (2) cerebral lacunar infarction with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) group; and (3) a healthy elderly group. A total of 60 cases were in each group (180 total patients). In addition, the lacunar infarction group and lacunar infarction with CMBs groups were both treated with formal antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, according to medical guidelines. Patients were followed for 12 months, during which time their cerebral hemorrhages and post-event effects were observed. The relativity of CMBs, antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy and cerebral hemorrhage transformation was analyzed and defined. The two groups of research patients with lacunar infarctions were scanned with relevant sequences.

RESULTS

The SWI scanning sequence showed the highest positive rate of CMBs, followed by GRE-T2*WI and other conventional scanning sequences. T1WI, T2WI and T2FLAIR showed a relatively lower positive rate of CMBs. In the cerebral lacunar infarction group and healthy elderly group, 34 cases in the SWI sequence showed 84 positive sites; 18 cases in the GRE-T2*WI sequence showed 40 positive sites; 2 cases in the T1WI sequence showed 4 positive sites; and 6 cases in the T2WI sequence showed 11 positive sites. After a chi-squared test, the differences between the sequences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the lacunar infarction group, 26 cases (43.33%) exhibited microbleeding lesions, while the normal control group represented 8 cases (13.33%). The lacunar infarction group exhibited mild, moderate and severe cases, the three types of CMBs. The normal control group only showed mild hemorrhaging. The degree of lacunar infarction was significantly related to the severity of CMBs (p < 0.05). After patients with CMBs had received formal antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulation therapy, one case in the lacunar infarction with microbleeds group showed cerebral hemorrhaging, but this had no statistical significance (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The SWI scanning sequence is more sensitive than the GRE-T2*WI sequence. The GRE-T2*WI sequence is more sensitive than the conventional FSE sequence. SWI is highly sensitive and specific to the diagnosis of CMBs. It is an accurate and effective method for the analysis and diagnosis of CMBs. If patients with CMBs caused by lacunar infarction are treated with antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, the risk of cerebral hemorrhagic transformation is relatively smaller within 12 months. However, this needs to be observed further to define possible long-term risks.

Intrinsically patterned two-dimensional materials for selective adsorption of molecules and nanoclusters

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been studied extensively as monolayers, vertical or lateral heterostructures. To achieve functionalization, monolayers are often patterned using soft lithography and selectively decorated with molecules. Here we demonstrate the growth of a family of 2D materials that are intrinsically patterned. We demonstrate that a monolayer of PtSe₂ can be grown on a Pt substrate in the form of a triangular pattern of alternating 1T and 1H phases. Moreover, we show that, in a monolayer of CuSe grown on a Cu substrate, strain relaxation leads to periodic patterns of triangular nanopores with uniform size. Adsorption of different species at preferred pattern sites is also achieved, demonstrating that these materials can serve as templates for selective self-assembly of molecules or nanoclusters, as well as for the functionalization of the same substrate with two different species.

Optical bistability in graphene-wrapped dielectric nanowires

We study the optical bistability of graphene-wrapped dielectric cylinders with Kerr-type nonlinear response within the framework of both nonlinear full-wave scattering theory and nonlinear quasistatic theory. Typical optical bistable properties are observed in both near-field and far-field spectra with the excitation of electric dipolar modes. Moreover, when high electromagnetic field is applied, nonlinear full wave theory yields new bistable region, indicating the existence of an artificial tunable magnetic dipole. The switching threshold fields are found to be tunable by changing either the size, permittivity of the nanocylinder or the chemical potential of graphene. Our results offer insight into the interaction between Kerr-type nonlinearity and graphene plasmonics, and may promise the graphene-wrapped nanowire a candidate for all-optical switching and nano-memories in terahertz region.

[Relationship of HPV infection and BV, VVC, TV: a clinical study based on 1 261 cases of gynecologic outpatients]

Objective: To Explore the relationship between HPV infection and bacterial vaginosis(BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC), and trichomonal vaginitis(TV). Methods: Clinical data from 1 261 gynecologic outpatients who underwent the vaginal microecology and HPV type detection during June 2015 to December 2015 were collected and analyzed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Results: In 1 261 patients, 328 cases infected with HPV, infection rate was 26.01%(328/1 261); vaginal infectious disease in 328 cases of HPV infections were 219 cases(66.8%, 219/328), vaginal infectious diseases in 933 cases of HPV uninfected were 503 cases(53.9%, 503/933), incidence of vaginal infectious disease in HPV infected patients was higher than that in HPV uninfected patients(χ²=5.87, P=0.01). 142 cases of BV had 54 cases infected with HPV(38.0%, 54/142), 296 cases of intermediate type BV had 88 cases infected with HPV(29.7%, 88/296), 231 cases of normal vaginal microecology had 51 cases infected with HPV(22.1%, 51/231), 99 cases of VVC had 15 cases infected with HPV(15.2%, 15/99), 2 patients with TV had 0 cases infected with HPV(0/2), HPV infection rate in BV, intermediate type BV patients were significantly higher than normal patients(P<0.05), while there were no statistical differences among VVC, TV and normal patients(P>0.05). The intensity of HPV infection were positively correlated with BV, intermediate type BV(OR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.37-3.43, P<0.01; OR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.00-2.22, P= 0.04); while, VVC, TV were uncorrelated with HPV infection(all P>0.05). Conclusions: BV, intermediate type BV are positively correlated with HPV infection, especially for the high-risk HPV. VVC and TV are not correlated with HPV infection.

[Effects of tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody on nuclear factor-κB activation and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in rats with silicotic fibrosis]

Objective: To investigate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) monoclonal anti-body on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in rats with pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica dust. Methods: A total of 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into intervention group, silica dust exposure group, and control group, with 16 rats in each group. The rats in the intervention group were given intratracheal injection of 50 mg silicon dioxide dust once to establish a rat model and then treated with subcutaneously injected TNF-α monoclonal antibody 15 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days at 2-6 days after the establishment of the model. The rats in the silica dust exposure group were treated with the same method to establish the model and then given subcutaneous injection of the same volume of normal saline. The rats in the control group were given intratracheal and subcutaneous injection of normal saline. In both groups, 8 rats each were sacrificed at 7 and 14 days after the establishment of the model. Hematoxylin-eosin staining or Masson staining was used to observe morphological changes in lung tissue, ELISA was used to measure the serum level of TNF-α, IHC was used to measure the expression of NF-κBp65 in lung tissue, Western blot was used to measure the protein expression of I-κB in lung tissue, and RT-qPCR was used to measure the transcriptional level of iNOS mRNA in lung tissue. Results: Compared with the control group, the silica dust exposure group had significant increases in the lung inflammation score (3.375±1.061 and 2.500±0.535) , serum TNF-α level (86.405±20.494 and 77.064±11.829) , absorbance of cells with positive NF-κBp65 in lung tissue (0.297±0.05 and 0.287±0.039) , and mRNA expression of iNOS (12.906±0.590 and 12.600±0.517) at 7 and 14 days after dust exposure, a significant increase in pulmonary fibrosis score at 14 days (3.250±0.707) , and significant reductions in the protein expression of I-κB at 7 and 14 days (0.579±0.141 and 0.748±0.081) (P<0.05) . Compared with the silica dust exposure group, the intervention group had significant reductions in the lung inflammation score at 7 days (2.375±1.061) , pulmonary fibrosis score at 14 days (2.375±1.061) , serum level of TNF-α at 7 and 14 days (66.565±19.850 and 58.734±16.335) , absorbance of cells with positive NF-κBp65 in lung tissue at 7 and 14 days (0.248±0.028 and 0.238±0.027) , and mRNA expression of iNOS at 7 and 14 days (11.656±0.405 and 12.025±0.618) , as well as significant increases in the protein expression of I-κB at 7 and 14 days (0.802±0.165 and 0.888±0.144) (P<0.05) . Conclusion: TNF-α monoclonal antibody can inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and down-regulate the expression of iNOS, and thus exerts a certain protective effect on lung tissue in rats with pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica dust.