[Clinical features and imaging analysis of primary bone lymphoma of the jaw]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and imaging manifestations of primary bone lymphoma (PBL) located in the jaw. Methods: Clinical data of 14 PBL patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, which including age, gender, location, chief complaint, laboratory test, imaging manifestations and so on. Results: Among the 14 PBL patients, 10 were male and 4 were female. Age range from 4 to 79 years, median age was 56 years old. There were 6 cases involved maxillary, 7 cases involved mandible and 1 case involved mandible and maxillary simultaneously. Twelve patients were admitted with local mass as the chief complaint, 3 had a history of toothache, 4 had loosen tooth and 2 had numbness of lips and cheeks. Two cases of oral mass with mucosal surface ulcer or abscess formation. One case complained of fever, night sweats and other systemic symptoms. The imaging findings showed 8 cases of osteolytic lesions, 1 case of sclerosis, 4 cases of mixed lesions and 1 case of cystic lesions. One case had periosteum reaction. In 12 cases, there was an obvious mass, which was characterized by the large soft-tissue mass and marrow changes were associated with surprisingly little cortical destruction. Conclusions: PBL is more common in middle aged male. The upper and lower jaw bones can be involved. Clinical and imaging manifestations lack characteristics, and common dental or periodontal symptoms such as toothache, tooth loosening, and paresthesia may occur. However, the imaging characteristics of large soft tissue masses with small degree of bone destruction can be used as an important basis for the differential diagnosis of osteomyelitis, squamous cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma and other diseases.

[Prognostic factors of cyclosporine A combined with androgen in the treatment of transfusion dependent non-severe aplastic anemia]

目的

调查影响环孢素A（CsA）联合雄激素方案治疗输血依赖非重型再生障碍性贫血(TD-NSAA)获得血液学反应的因素。

方法

回顾性分析2010–2013年连续收治的77例TD-NSAA患者临床资料，单因素和多因素分析影响CsA联合雄激素治疗方案获得血液学反应患者的基线临床和血液学特征。

结果

77例TD-NSAA患者治疗后6个月和12个月获得血液学反应分别为43例（55.8％）和53例（68.8％），单因素分析基线血小板计数［19（6～61）×10⁹/L对13.5（5～45）×10⁹/L，P＝0.001］是影响6个月获得血液学反应的唯一因素；基线血小板计数［18（6～61）×10⁹/L对10.5（5～45）×10⁹/L，P<0.001］、网织红细胞绝对值［0.03（0.01～0.06）×10¹²/L对0.03（0.02～0.06）×10¹²/L，P＝0.043］、血小板输注依赖（P＝0.007）和红细胞及血小板输注依赖（P＝0.012）为治疗后12个月能否获得血液学反应相关因素。多因素分析显示基线血小板水平为获得血液学反应独立影响因素（P值分别为0.010和0.009）。受试者工作特征曲线（ROC曲线）方法显示基线PLT界值为15.5×10⁹/L。

结论

TD-NSAA患者初诊时较高的血小板基线水平、网织红细胞基线水平和不伴血小板输注依赖均提示预后较好，血小板水平≥15.5×10⁹/L时可以考虑采用CsA联合雄激素治疗。

Properties of Neon, Magnesium, and Silicon Primary Cosmic Rays Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays, neon (Ne), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si), measured in the rigidity range 2.15 GV to 3.0 TV with 1.8×10^{6}  Ne, 2.2×10^{6}  Mg, and 1.6×10^{6}  Si nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment on the International Space Station. The Ne and Mg spectra have identical rigidity dependence above 3.65 GV. The three spectra have identical rigidity dependence above 86.5 GV, deviate from a single power law above 200 GV, and harden in an identical way. Unexpectedly, above 86.5 GV the rigidity dependence of primary cosmic rays Ne, Mg, and Si spectra is different from the rigidity dependence of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O. This shows that the Ne, Mg, and Si and He, C, and O are two different classes of primary cosmic rays.

White light emitting diode induces autophagy in hippocampal neuron cells through GSK-3-mediated GR and RORα pathways

Autophagy plays an important role in cell survival under diverse stress conditions. Here, we show that white LED light exposure for 24 h significantly activated autophagy-related genes and increased autophagosome formation in hippocampal neural cells (HT-22). Concurrently, the rhythmic pattern of clock-related gene expression was disrupted, which was associated with augmented expression of SIRT1, AMPK and retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα). SR1001, a specific inhibitor of RORα, protected the cells from light-induced activation of autophagy. Moreover, light exposure increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. GR inhibitor RU486 prevented light-induced up-regulation of RORα and the activation of autophagy. These changes were associated with enhanced glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity and its specific inhibitor CHIR-99021 significantly rescued light-induced autophagy and augmented GR, RORα and autophagy-related proteins. Furthermore, GSK-3 was identified as an upstream regulator of GR/RORα signaling as it was not affected by GR or RORα inhibitors. Taken together, our data demonstrate that GSK-3-mediated GR/RORα signaling pathway is involved in white LED light-induced autophagy in hippocampal neuron cells.

Naringin supplementation affects performance, carcass traits, meat quality and oxidative stability of finishing pigs

Naringin is a major flavanone derivate that has many important biological functions in animals. However, its effect on pigs is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of naringin supplementation on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and oxidative stability in finishing pigs. Ninety-six pigs, with an average initial body weight of 66.2 ± 0.63 kg, were randomly divided into four groups. One group was fed a basal diet without supplementation (control), and the three others were fed diets supplemented with 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 g naringin /kg DM of feed for 50 days. Each treatment was replicated six times with four pigs per replicate. Feed and water were available ad libitum. The 0.5 g/kg naringin treatment group had an improved loin eye muscle area, reduced serum triglycerides and were leaner compared with the other groups. Pigs in the 1.5 g/kg naringin treatment had higher pH45min values and inosine monophosphate concentrations, and lower MyHC IIb mRNA expression in muscle than the other groups. MyHC IIa mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in all naringin-supplemented diet groups. Naringin significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total anti-oxidative capacity in meat, as well as SOD and glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver. These results indicate that the dietary addition of naringin at 0.5 g/kg improved carcass characteristics, while 1.5 g/kg improved the oxidative stability and pork quality in finishing pigs. Keywords: antioxidant capacity; carcass characteristics; naringin-supplemented diets; pork quality

Maternal betaine supplementation decreases hepatic cholesterol deposition in chicken offspring with epigenetic modulation of SREBP2 and CYP7A1 genes

Maternal betaine was reported to regulate offspring hepatic cholesterol metabolism in mammals. However, it is unclear whether and how feeding betaine to laying hens affects hepatic cholesterol metabolism in offspring chickens. Rugao yellow-feathered laying hens (n = 120) were fed basal or 0.5% betaine-supplemented diet for 28 D before the eggs were collected for incubation. Maternal betaine significantly decreased the hepatic cholesterol content (P < 0.05) in offspring chickens. Accordingly, the cholesterol biosynthetic enzymes, sterol regulator element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, were decreased, while cholesterol-7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), which converts cholesterol to bile acids, was increased at both mRNA and protein levels in betaine-treated offspring chickens. Hepatic mRNA and protein expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor was significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the mRNA abundance of cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) that mediates cholesterol esterification was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the betaine group. Meanwhile, hepatic protein contents of DNA methyltransferases 1 and betaine homocysteine methyltransferase were increased (P < 0.05), which was associated with modifications of CpG methylation on affected cholesterol metabolic genes. Furthermore, the level of CpG methylation on gene promoters was increased (P < 0.05) for sterol regulator element-binding protein 2 and abundance of cholesterol acyltransferase 1 yet decreased (P < 0.05) for cholesterol-7alpha-hydroxylase. These results indicate that maternal betaine supplementation significantly decreases hepatic cholesterol deposition through epigenetic regulation of cholesterol metabolic genes in offspring juvenile chickens.

[Detection of tuberculosis genes associated with drug-resistance in paraffin-embedded tissue specimens using next generation sequencing technology]

Objective: To evaluate the use of multiplex PCR amplicon sequencing (mPCR-NGS) technology in detecting gene mutations related to drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens, and to explore its clinical value in the diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Methods: Fifty clinical MTB strains isolated in the Changping District Tuberculosis Control Institute of Beijing from April 2013 to October 2015 with drug susceptibility test (DST) results of rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, streptomycin, ofloxacin, capreomycin, kanamycin and amikacin available were recovered, including 42 drug-resistant strains and 8 drug-sensitive strains. The mPCR-NGS test was established to detect genes related to the 8 anti-tuberculosis drugs according to the previously published studies and databases. Fifty-five paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from drug-resistant tuberculosis patients were collected in the Department of Pathology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University during November 2017 to September 2018. All the specimens showed no less than one mutation in the gene regions related to drug resistance of any of the 4 drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol or fluoroquinolones) by probe melting curve assay. The effectiveness of mPCR-NGS test was evaluated on clinical MTB isolates using phenotypic DST as the reference. Clinical evaluation of mPCR-NGS test on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from TB patients was performed using probe melting curve assay as the reference. The sensitivity, specificity and coincidence of mPCR-NGS were analyzed. Results: Using phenotypic DST as the reference, the sensitivities of the mPCR-NGS for detecting drug-resistance of rifampicin, isoniazid, streptomycin, and ethambutol were 95% (38/40), 93% (27/29), 93% (27/29), and 72% (13/18), respectively; and the specificities were 100% (10/10), 95% (20/21), 100% (21/21), and 94% (30/32), respectively. The sensitivities for capreomycin, kanamycin and amikacin were all 100% (2/2, 3/3, 3/3), and the specificities were 98% (47/48), 100% (33/33) and 100% (47/47), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ofloxacin were 70% (7/10) and 100% (40/40), respectively. The total coincidence rate for the 8vdrugs was 94%, and the Kappa value was 0.87. The 55 paraffin-embedded tissue specimens included in this study were all tested by probe melting curve assays. Among them 28 were resistant to rifampicin, 37 resistant to isoniazid, 13 resistant to ethambutol, and 17 resistant to fluoroquinolones. Using the probe melting curve assay as the reference, the sensitivities of the mPCR-NGS for detecting resistant to rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and fluoroquinolones were 100% (28/28), 95% (35/37), 100%, and 100%, respectively; and the specificities were all 100% (42/42, 38/38). The total coincidence rate of the two methods was 99%, and the Kappa value was 0.98. Conclusions: mPCR-NGS showed good sensitivities and specificities in detecting drug-resistant gene mutations both in clinical MTB isolates and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. mPCR-NGS has the potential to be an accurate and rapid molecular pathological technology for diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

[Prevalence and risk factors of ischemic stroke in rural areas of Liaoning province]

Objective: To explore the prevalence and risk factors of ischemic stroke in rural areas of Liaoning province. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey. From September 2017 to May 2018, a total of 10 926 rural residents aged ≥40 years were investigated in Chaoyang county, Lingyuan, Liaoyang county and Donggang city of Liaoning province. The investigation included questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory examination.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of ischemic stroke. Results: The prevalence of ischemic stroke in the rural areas of Liaoning province was 5.51% (602/10 926), and the standardized prevalence rate was 4.04%. The standardized prevalence rate of male (5.05%) is higher than that of female (3.44%). The prevalence of ischemic stroke increased with age in both males (P<0.01) and females (P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age increase(compared with 40-49 years old group, 50-59 years old, OR=2.08, 95%CI 1.31-3.30, P=0.02; 60-69 years old, OR=3.90, 95%CI 2.51-6.05, P<0.01; 70-79 years old, OR=5.32, 95%CI 3.37-8.34, P<0.01; ≥80 years old, OR=3.64, 95%CI 2.00-6.62, P<0.01), male(OR=2.35, 95%CI 1.95-2.84, P<0.01),family history of stroke(OR=2.18, 95%CI 1.83-2.60, P<0.01),coronary heart disease (OR=2.01, 95%CI 1.52-2.66, P<0.01), hypertension (OR=2.82, 95%CI 2.21-3.60, P<0.01), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.36, 95%CI 1.11-1.67, P=0.03) and overweight/obese (OR=1.22, 95%CI 1.02-1.47, P=0.03) were the major risk factors of ischemic stroke. Conclusions: The prevalence of ischemic stroke in rural areas of Liaoning province is high. Age, male, family history of stroke, coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity are the risk factors of ischemic stroke in rural areas of Liaoning province.

Fetal betaine exposure modulates hypothalamic expression of cholesterol metabolic genes in offspring cockerels with modification of promoter DNA methylation

In documents, maternal betaine modulates hypothalamic cholesterol metabolism in chicken posthatchings, but it remains unclear whether this effect can be passed on by generations. In present study, eggs were injected with saline or betaine at 2.5 mg/egg, and the hatchlings (F1) were raised under the same condition until sexual maturation. Both the control group and the betaine group used artificial insemination to collect sperm from their cockerels. Fertilized eggs were incubated, and the hatchlings of the following generation (F2) were raised up to 64 D of age. F2 cockerels in betaine group showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower body weight, which was associated with significantly decreased (P < 0.05) hypothalamic content of total cholesterol and cholesterol ester. Concordantly, hypothalamic expression of cholesterol biosynthetic genes, SREBP2 and HMGCR, were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05), together with cholesterol conversion-related and excretion-related genes, CYP46A1 and ABCA1. These changes coincided with a significant downregulation in mRNA expression of regulatory neuropeptides including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuropeptide Y, and corticotropin-releasing hormone. Moreover, genes involved in methyl transfer cycle were also modified. Betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (P < 0.05) was downregulated, yet DNA methyltransferase1 tended to be upregulated (P = 0.06). S-adenosyl methionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio was higher in the hypothalamus of betaine-treated F2 cockerels, which was associated with significantly modified CpG methylation on the promoter of those affected genes. These results suggested that betaine might regulate central cholesterol metabolism and hypothalamic expression of genes related to brain function by altering promoter DNA methylation in F2 cockerels.

[Association of dietary patterns and diabetes risk level among adult residents in Datong city of Shanxi Province]

Objective: To explore the association of dietary pattern and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. Methods: In 2013, 3 747 participants from 87 coalmine branches of a large coal mine group in Datong City, Shanxi Province were selected by using a two-stage cluster stratified sampling method. Data on demographic characteristics, smoking, drinking, and family history of diabetes were collected by using a self-made questionnaire, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the level of physical activity. Physical, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators were measured and subjects were divided into high-risk groups and low-risk groups of T2DM according to the T2DM risk score. Dietary data were collected by using Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, and dietary patterns were derived by using the exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis. The unconditional logistic regression model was used to assess the association of dietary patterns and T2DM risk. Results: The age of the subjects was(41.48±8.62) years old, and 2 843 of them were males (84.31%). A total of 1 819 subjects were in the high-risk group and 1 553 in the low-risk group. Four dietary patterns, healthy diet, high-salt diet, meats diet, and carbohydrate-rich diet, were identified in this study. The unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the healthy diet pattern, after the adjustment of demographic characteristics, smoking, and drinking, the OR (95%CI) of T2DM risk in high-salt diet, carbohydrate-rich diet and meats diet patterns was 1.54 (1.26-1.88), 1.80 (1.43-2.28) and 1.20 (0.99-1.46), respectively. Conclusion: High-salt diet and carbohydrate-rich diet were positively associated with T2DM risk, whereas there was no association of meats diet and T2DM risk.

Does the Brown classification of maxillectomy defects have prognostic prediction for patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma involving the maxilla?

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the maxillectomy defect, T stage, and prognosis of patients with maxillary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The Brown classification system was used to appraise the maxillectomy defects due to maxillary SCC. The clinical data of 137 patients with maxillary SCC during the period 2000-2010 were reviewed; 105 patients were followed up. Preoperative T stage and postoperative maxillectomy class were recorded. The relationship between the maxillectomy defect class and T stage of maxillary SCC was analysed. Correlations between the maxillectomy defect class, local recurrence rate, and survival rate were assessed using IBM SPSS Statistics v19.0. The most common maxillectomy defect class was IIb (54.7%, 75/137). The maxillectomy defect class was significantly associated with the T stage (P < 0.001). Both T stage and the maxillectomy defect class were significantly associated with the survival rate of patients with maxillary SCC (both P< 0.001). In conclusion, the class of the maxillectomy defect was found to be associated with the T stage. Both of these were prognostic factors for patients with maxillary SCC. The class of the maxillectomy defect is suitable for clinical application in predicting the prognosis compared with T stage.

Prevalence and cardiovascular risk factors of asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis: the Kongcun Town Study in Shandong, China

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study was to investigate the prevalence and cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) of asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (aICAS) amongst middle-aged and older adults living in rural communities in China.

METHODS

This population-based study included 2019 subjects (aged ≥40 years, 52.3% women) who were free of stroke and living in rural communities in China. From October 2017 to May 2018, data on demographics, CRFs and health conditions were collected through face-to-face interviews, physical examination and laboratory tests. Asymptomatic ICAS was detected through a two-phase procedure: a screening phase with transcranial Doppler ultrasound, followed by a diagnostic phase with magnetic resonance angiography examination. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse CRFs associated with aICAS.

RESULTS

Of the 2019 participants, aICAS was detected in 153 persons. The overall prevalence of aICAS was 7.6%, and the prevalence of moderate-to-severe aICAS was 5.0%. The multi-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of aICAS associated with CRFs was 2.40 (1.56-3.69) for hypertension, 1.91 (1.32-2.76) for high hypersensitive C-reactive protein, 1.68 (1.14-2.49) for diabetes and 1.61 (1.08-2.41) for overweight or obesity. When these four CRFs were aggregated, compared with participants without any of these factors, the multi-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of aICAS for persons concurrently having one, two and three or more of these factors were 1.14 (0.52-2.48), 2.91 (1.42-5.99) and 5.51 (2.64-11.50), respectively (P for linear trend <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic ICAS is common amongst rural-dwelling middle-aged and older Chinese people. Hypertension, diabetes, overweight or obesity and high hypersensitive C-reactive protein, especially when coexisting, are strongly associated with aICAS.

Chronic corticosterone exposure induces liver inflammation and fibrosis in association with m6A-linked post-transcriptional suppression of heat shock proteins in chicken

Our previous study had shown that chronic corticosterone (CORT) exposure causes excessive fat deposition in chicken liver, yet it remains unknown whether it is associated with inflammation and fibrosis. In general, heat shock proteins (HSPs) are activated in response to acute stress to play a cytoprotective role, and this activation is associated with m6A-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. However, changes of HSPs and the m6A methylation on their mRNAs in response to chronic CORT treatment in chicken liver have not been reported. In this study, chronic CORT exposure induced inflammation and fibrosis in chicken liver, associated with significantly modulated expression of HSPs that was significantly upregulated at mRNA level yet downregulated at protein level. Concurrently, m6A methyltransferases METTL3 content was upregulated together with the level of m6A methylation on HSPs transcripts. The m6A-seq analysis revealed 2-6 significantly (P < 0.05) hypermethylated m6A peaks in the mRNA of 4 different species of HSPs in CORT-treated chicken liver. HSP90B1 transcript had 6 differentially methylated m6A peaks among which peaks on exon 16 and exon 17 showed 3.14- and 4.72-fold of increase, respectively. Mutation of the 8 predicted m6A sites on exon 16 and exon 17 resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in eGFP-fused content of HSP90B1 exon 16 and exon 17 fragment in 293 T cells, indicating a possible role of m6A in post-transcriptional regulation of HSPs. In conclusion, chronic CORT exposure induces inflammation and fibrosis in chicken liver along with an increase in the levels and m6A methylation of several HSPs mRNAs; HSPs levels were however reduced under the indicated conditions. Results presented suggest that the reduction in HSPs levels may be associated with m6A methylation in CORT-exposed chickens.

Association between Statin Use and Physical Function among Older Chinese Inpatients with Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

Multiple statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) risk factors usually coexist in a given older diabetic patient, but the association between statin use and physical function in older Asian persons with T2MD remains uncertain. The present study therefore sought to provide insight into this uncertainty through a focused assessment of statin-associated outcomes in Chinese diabetic adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

The study included 146 participants with T2MD in the Center of Gerontology and Geriatric, West China Hospital.

MEASUREMENTS

The participants received the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Statin use and other medical data for each patient were determined via assessment of the inpatient hospital information system. Assessments of physical functions included ADLs, IADLs and the Timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test. Multiple regression analyses were then performed in order to determine the relationship between statin utilization and physical function.

RESULTS

The average age of these 146 participants (32 women, 21.9%) was 80.00±5.60 years. At enrollment, 78 (53.4%) of the 146 patients were treated with statins. Among the statin users, 48.7% presented with a lack of TUG ability, which was significantly greater than in non-statin users (27.9%). However, the rates of IADL and ADL disabilities did not differ significantly between groups. In a multiple regression analyses, statin use was associated with a three-fold (95% CI 1.06, 9.51) increase in the risk of TUG inability, after adjusted all covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant association between statin use and TUG inability in older Chinese inpatients with diabetes.

Effect of miR-202-5p-mediated ATG7 on autophagy and apoptosis of degenerative nucleus pulposus cells

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to research the effect of miR-202-5p-mediated ATG7 on autophagy and apoptosis of degenerative nucleus pulposus cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue of patients with intervertebral disc degenerative disease and normal intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue of patients with spinal fractures was collected as the research object. Normal NP cells and degenerative NP cells were isolated. Low expression of miR-202-5p and overexpression of ATG7 were carried out in degenerative NP cells. The expression of miR-202-5p and ATG7 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The expression of ATG7, LC3-II, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins was detected by Western blot. The autophagy of cells was detected by MDC staining. The apoptosis of NP cells was detected by flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR-202-5p and ATG7 was detected by Dual-Luciferase reporter.

RESULTS

In the degenerative NP tissues, miR-202-5p was highly expressed and ATG7 was low expressed. The inhibition of miR-202-5p expression can effectively promote autophagy of NP cells, increase the expression of ATG7 and LC3-II, inhibit the apoptosis of NP cells, inhibit the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, and promote the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 proteins. The upregulation of ATG7 expression in degenerative NP cells alone had the same effect as the downregulation of miR-202-5p. The assay of the Dual-Luciferase reporter confirmed the targeting relationship between miR-202-5p and ATG7.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-202-5p can affect the autophagy and apoptosis of degenerative nucleus pulposus cells through targeted adjustment of ATG7, which may be a new therapeutic target for intervertebral disc degenerative diseases.

IGF-1 regulates Ang II and VEGF signaling pathways in retinal neovascularization

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 on regulating the occurrence of retinal neovascularization and the expression mechanism of Angiotensin II (Ang II) and vascular endothelial factor (VEGF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 C57BL/6J healthy mice of either gender were selected, and randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, IGF-1 overexpression carrier intervention group and IGF-1 siRNA intervention group (10 in each group). Mice in control group were fed in the air without any further processing. The mice in other 3 groups were used to build high oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization model. The vitreous cavity of mice in the model group was injected with the equal amount of normal saline, while the mice in the IGF-1 overexpression carrier intervention group were injected with 1 μl IGF-1 liposomes mixture. At the same time, IGF-1 siRNA intervention group mice were continuously injected with 1 μl IGF-1 siRNA liposomes mixture for 3d. Stretched preparation of retina was used to observe the neovascularization form; HE staining tissue section were prepared to observe the amount of vascular endothelial nuclei out of the retina boundary; IGF-1, Ang II and VEGF expression levels of retinal tissue were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

A large area of non-perfusion and tortuous expansion form of the blood vessel was found in the optic nerve surroundings of retinal serial sections in model group, while neovascularization plexus and fluorescence leakage were observed between perfusion and non-perfusion area. Non-perfusion and neovascularization have experienced a decrease in IGF-1 overexpression group but an increase in IGF-1 siRNA group. The number of neovascularization endothelial nuclei out of the internal limiting membrane in model group was remarkably higher than that in control group. This number in IGF-1 over-expression group decreases while in IGF-1 siRNA group it increases, with a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). Histone IGF-1 expression level in the model group was lower than that in the control group, but Ang II and VEGF expression level were higher. IGF-1 in over-expression group was higher but with a lower expression level of Ang II and VEGF; however, the results in siRNA group were opposite. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of retinal neovascularization is related to the reduction of IGF-1 expression and the increase of Ang II and VEGF.

[Clinical characteristics and drug susceptibility test of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and drug susceptibility test (DST) of patients infected with different nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Methods: The patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NMLD) in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from March 2014 to March 2015 were studied retrospectively by analyzing the clinical characteristics, radiological features and DST results. A total of 201 NMLD patients [male 108, age(58±15) yrs] were enrolled into this study including 48 cases of M. Kansasii [male 13, age (52±16) yrs],46 cases of M. Abscess[male 46, age (57±16) yrs], 92 cases of M. Intracellulare [male 43, age (61±13) yrs], and 15 cases of M. Avium [male 6, age (67±10) yrs]. Clinical data were collected when the diagnosis was made and Chi-square test was used to compare the differences among 4 groups of patients. Bonferroni method was used for further pairwise comparisons. Results: There were significant differences among the 4 groups in the age(χ(2)=6.42, P<0.001) and the gender(χ(2)=49.18, P<0.001) of the patients. The history of bronchiectasis in the groups of M. Kansasii, M. Abscess, M. Intracellulare and M. Avium were 2/48, 31/46, 39/92 and 4/15 cases respectively(χ(2)=41.84, P<0.001). For the Gamma-interferon release assays (ELISA) (IGRA), the positive rate of IGRA in the groups of M. Kansasii, M. Abscess, M. Intracellulare and M. Avium were 83%(40/48), 30%(14/46), 23%(21/92) and 33% (5/15) respectively(χ(2)=50.96, P<0.001). The radiological features were significantly different in tree-in-bud(8/48, 35/46, 36/92 and 4/15 cases respectively, χ(2)=36.48, P<0.001), pleural thickness or mild effusion (21/48, 36/46, 69/92 and 7/15 cases, χ(2)=19.54, P<0.001), bronchiectasis (20/48, 39/46, 78/92 and 10/15 cases, P<0.001) and cavities (38/48, 21/46, 63/92 and 10/15 cases, χ(2)=12.38, P<0.001) among the 4 groups(M. Kansasii, M. Abscess, M. Intracellulare and M. Avium). The drug resistance rates of M. Kansasii to rifampin, ethambutanol and ofloxacin were 10%(5/48), 8%(4/48) and 15%(7/48) respectively; the resistance rates of M.Intracellulare to ethambutanol was 45%(41/92), and the resistance rates of M.Abscess were all over 80% to all anti-TB drugs. The results of pairwise comparisons showed that the male proportion(46/48) and IGRAs positive rate(40/48) of patients with M. Kansasii were higher than those of other groups, and the incidence of bronchiectasis(20/48) and pleural changes(21/48) was lower than those of other groups. The female ratio(33/46), history of bronchiectasis (31/46) and tree-in-bud sign of patients(35/46) with M. Abscess were higher than those of other groups. Conclusions: There were differences in the clinical manifestations and imaging features of 4 common NMLD diseases, which were helpful for clinical differentiation. The patients with M. Kansasii infection were mainly male, with a high IGRA positive rate and fewer lesions of bronchiectasis or pleural changes. Most of the patients with M. Abscess were female, with a previous history of bronchiectasis, and with most of the lesions showing tree-in-bud signs. The NTM species had a high rate of resistance to anti-TB drugs except M. Kansasii.

IFN-γ induces upregulation of TNF-α, downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in abortion rat

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) participates in the regulation of the whole process of pregnancy. Matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) play important roles in the process of trophoblast invading decidua. This research aims to determine the role of IFN-γ in TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 of abortion rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were divided into control, abortion model, gestation, and IFN-γ group. Abortion rats model in IFN-γ group were treated by IFN-γ at low and high doses upon abortion model. Serum and tissue TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expressions were detected by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The level of TNF-α was significantly elevated, while MMP-2 and MMP-9 were statistically declined in the serum and decidual tissue of rat from model group (p < 0.05). Of note, the expression of TNF-α was further increased, whereas MMP-2 and MMP-9 reduced in IFN-γ high dose group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that in abortion rats, TNF-α was overexpressed, while MMP-2 and MMP-9 were reduced declined in the serum and decidual tissue. The treatment with a high dose of IFN-γ further upregulated TNF-α expression and decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels, aggravating the severity of rat abortion.

[Preliminary study on the elimination of artifacts of five kinds of dental prosthetic materials by energy spectrum CT multi-material artifact reduction technology]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the multi-material artifact reduction (MMAR) algorithm of spectral CT in reducing the beam hardening artifacts in dental restoration material. Methods: Three-unit fixed bridge restorations were fabricated on the first to third molars in pig jaw. Gold alloy, zirconia, cobalt chromium alloy, nickel chromium alloy and pure titanium were used as materials for these fixed bridges. After restoration delivery, the pig jaw was scaned using energy spectrum CT machines. Images in regular 120 kVp scan mode were used as conventional group, and reconstructed single-energy horizontal images of 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140 keV in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum group, and reconstructed images applied MMAR technology in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum MMAR group. Each group was scanned 10 times to measure CT value and noise of muscles around dental prosthetic materials and adjacent non-artifact layers. Artifact index was calculated. Two radiologists scored the image quality of each group subjectively. Kruskal Wallis rank sum test was used to compare the difference of image noise, artifact index and subjective score among the control group and the best keV condition in the energy spectrum group and the energy spectrum MMAR group. Results: The image noise of energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group decreased gradually with the increase of single energy level. The artifact index of pure titanium restorations in conventional group, energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were 71.0±8.0, 21.4±2.7 and 14.7±2.7 respectively, and these values were significantly lower than those of other materials in the same group (P<0.05). The subjective image quality scores in energy spectrum MMAR group were as follows: 3.0±0.2 for gold alloy, 4.3±0.5 for zirconia, 3.0±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, 3.1±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, and 4.6±0.5 for pure titanium. These scores were significantly smaller than those in the conventional group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in noise between energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group (P>0.05), and the noise values in energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were significantly lower than that in the conventional group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Artifacts of pure titanium is minimal. Energy spectrum CT combined with MMAR technology can effectively reduce the artifacts of gold, zirconia, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-titanium alloy and pure titanium. This technique can be used as an effective method to remove artifacts of dental prosthesis.

Inhibition of Sumoylation Alleviates Oxidative Stress-induced Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Senescence and Represses Proinflammatory Gene Expression

PURPOSE

Advanced age is the largest risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Sumoylation is a reversible post-translational modification that conjugates small peptide, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), to a target protein. Dysregulation of sumoylation is recently found to be critically involved in several age-related disorders. However, the effects of sumoylation during retina senescence and aging remains elusive. This study is aimed to investigate the function and regulation of sumoylation pathway in the aging retina and premature senescent retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

METHODS

1.5- and 10-month C57/B6 mice were used for comparative aging study. Both ARPE primary cultures and ARPE-19 cells were used for assay systems. The qRT-PCR was used for analysis of mRNA expression. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the protein expression. Cell flow cytometry was used for cell cycle progression analysis. RPE barrier function and senescent-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) activity were analyzed to measure cellular senescence.

RESULTS

We show that the expression of SUMO enzymes and global protein sumoylation were downregulated in the aging mouse retina, and in the oxidative stress (OS) -induced premature senescent RPE cells. Dramatical altered distribution of SUMO E1, E2 and E3 enzymes were observed during RPE senescence. Inhibition of sumoylation alleviated OS-induced cell senescence in RPE cells, as indicated by decreased p21 and p53 expression and decreased percentage of cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Intriguingly, inhibition of SUMO E1 repressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine in the premature senescent RPE cells. However, inhibition of sumoylation did not prevent DNA damage during the OS-induced RPE senescence process.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate sumoylation critically regulates retina and RPE aging and that targeting sumoylation process may provide potential therapeutic strategy for AMD treatment.