[Relationship between HLA Gene Polymorphism and Aplastic Anemia in Northern Chinese Han Patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 gene polymorphism and aplastic anemia （AA）of 65 cases in Northern China.

METHODS

The high resolution genotyping of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 alleles in 65 AA patients and 772 healthy controls was performed with polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO), the relationship between HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 gene polymorphism and aplastic anemia was analyzed by Pearson Chi-square，Continuity Correction， Two-sided Fisher's Exact Test and Odds Ratio.

RESULTS

The HLA-B*1302（10% vs 4.21%）, B*3501（7.69% vs 3.89%）, DRB1* 0701（10% vs 4.73%）, DRB1*0901（19.23% vs 7.58%）, DQB1*0202（9.23% vs 3.76%） gene frequency in AA patients was higher than those in health controls, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), the χ² were 9.049, 4.336, 6.838, 20.974 and 8.968, OR ratio was 2.528, 2.061, 2.239, 2.904 and 2.605. However, the HLA-A*3303（1.54% vs 6.93%）, DQB1*0302（1.54% vs 6.02%） gene frequency in AA patients was lower than those in healthy controls, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), the χ² was 5.726 and 4.505, the OR ratio were 0.210 and 0.244.

CONCLUSION

The polymorphism of HLA-A, -B, -DRB1, -DQB1 alleles is associate with AA in these patient cases, the HLA-B*1302, HLA-B*3501, HLA-DRB1*0701, HLA-DRB1*0901 and HLA-DQB1*0202 may be sensitive genes to AA, while the HLA-A*3303 and HLA-DQB1*0302 may be protective genes on AA.

The performance of a community-based colorectal cancer screening program: Evidence from Shanghai Pudong New Area, China

Despite the rising disease burden of colorectal cancer (CRC), CRC screening has not yet been widely introduced as a large organized program in developing countries. To facilitate better delivery of screening in these areas, we investigated the performance of a large community-based CRC screening program implemented in Shanghai Pudong New Area during the period 2013-2016. We conducted a prospective cohort study by following up the screening behavior and results of tested participants in the program. Data from the program reporting system and monthly progress reports were collected. We used standard measures and indicators with modifications to evaluate the performance of the program. Disparities in CRC screening by age categories, primary screening results, and geographic areas were examined. A total of 403,098 individuals participated in the program, 25,764 of them were further screened by diagnostic colonoscopy (COL), and 505 people were eventually diagnosed with CRC as a result of the program. The program produced the following rates: participation (35.18%), primary screening positivity (24.89%), positive primary screening follow-up (26.26%), diagnostic COL (6.37%), and cancer detection (1.25‰). Vast variations in the quality of the program were observed across areas with different socioeconomic environments. The experience and lessons from the program suggest that incorporating the screening with other public health campaigns, using better-developed risk assessment tools, and allowing individual screening decisions for those aged above the target are possible practical ways to promote a better delivery of organized CRC screening programs.

[Analysis of related factors of coins foreign bodies crossing the esophagus in 204 cases of children]

Objective:To explore the anti-tumor effect of Stat3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on human Hep-2 cell tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mouse, to study the therapeutic value of Stat3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on laryngeal cancer. Method:Hep-2 cells from human laryngeal carcinoma in logarithmic phase were inoculated subcutaneously into BALB/c mice to establish a model of human Hep-2 cell tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. They were divided into blank group, control group and different concentrations of AS3 groups(1 group, 2 group, 3 group, 4 group), and then intraperitoneally administered once a day for 4 weeks, measuring body weight twice a week, and the long and short diameters of the tumors were recorded. After 4 weeks, the mice in each group were weighted. The subcutaneous transplanted tumors were dissected, weighted, and inhibitory rate was obtained.Result:Stat3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide can obviously inhibited the growth of human Hep-2 cell tumor-bearing BALB/c mice with the concentration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide heightened. The IR in different concentration AS3 groups was obviously higher than that in the control group(P<0.01) .Conclusion:Stat3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide can obviously inhibit the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumors in human Hep-2 cell tumor-bearing BALB/c mice, and may have therapeutical effect on laryngeal cancer.

Urban-Rural Disparity in Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Survivals in Shanghai, China, During 2002 and 2015

Introduction: Disparities in the incidence, mortality, and survival of cancer types between urban and rural areas in China reflect the effects of different risk factor exposure, education, and different medical availability. We aimed to characterize the disparities in the incidence, mortality, and survivals of cancer types between urban and rural areas in Shanghai, China, 2002-2015.

Materials and Methods: The incidence and mortality were standardized by Segi's world standard population. Trends in the incidence and mortality of cancers were compared using annual percent change. The 5-year observed and relative survivals were calculated with life table and Ederer II methods.

Results: Age-standardized incidences and mortalities were 212.55/10⁵ and 109.45/10⁵ in urban areas and 210.14/10⁵ and 103.99/10⁵ in rural areas, respectively. Female breast cancer and colorectal cancer occurred more frequently in urban than in rural areas, quite in contrast to liver cancer and cervical cancer. Cancers of lung and bronchus, liver, stomach, and colon and rectum were the leading causes of cancer death in both areas. Age-standardized incidence of female breast cancer and colorectal cancer in urban areas increased while gastric cancer and liver cancer decreased in both areas. Age-standardized mortalities of cancers of breast, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, and lung and bronchus decreased in both areas. For all cancers combined, the 5-year observed and relative survivals of cancer patients were higher in urban than in rural areas. The 5-year observed and relative survivals of cancers of liver, pancreas, stomach, brain and central nervous system (CNS), and prostate were higher in urban than in rural areas. The 5-year observed and relative survivals of cervical cancer were higher in rural than in urban areas.

Conclusions: Factors promoting female breast cancer and colorectal cancer in urban areas and liver cancer and cervical cancer in rural areas should be specifically intervened in cancer prophylaxis. Improved medical services can greatly prolong the survival of major cancers in rural areas.

Bacterial Survival Strategies in an Alkaline Tailing Site and the Physiological Mechanisms of Dominant Phylotypes As Revealed by Metagenomic Analyses

Microorganisms inhabiting mine tailings require specific metabolic strategies to survive, which may hold potential for pollution clean up. Effective in situ bioremediation will rely on an in-depth understanding of the function of the bacterial communities, especially the abundant and metabolically active phylotypes. In this study, the bacterial communities collected from an alkaline tailing site were profiled by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing as well as shotgun metagenomic analysis. Our results indicated that potentials for carbon and nitrogen fixation as well as metal resistance and transformation were widespread among the bacterial community members, especially in highly enriched phylotypes, such as members of Thiobacillus and Meiothermus. Important functional microbial guilds including carbon and nitrogen fixers may contribute to phytoremediation by providing nutrients for hyperaccumulator plants. In addition, metal-metabolizing bacteria may influence metal speciation and solubility. This discovery provides an understanding for microbial survival strategies in the tailings and lays the foundation for future potential manipulation of the tailing microbiome for in situ bioremediation.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a preclinical practice of tooth preparation using digital training system: A randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preclinical training on ceramic crown preparation using digital training system compared with traditional training method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 66 participating fourth-year undergraduate dental students were randomly assigned to one of two groups for ceramic crown preparation: experimental group as trained using digital method with Online Peer-Review System (OPRS) and Real-time Dental Training and Evaluation System (RDTES); control group as trained using traditional method with instructor demonstration and evaluation. At the completion of training periods, both groups performed the preparation of ceramic crown of upper left central incisor, which were blindly scored by the experienced instructors under the pre-defined assessment criteria. The results of both were compared using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test. The level of significance was P < .05. The questionnaires regarding the benefits or drawbacks of digital training system were answered by the students of experimental group.

RESULTS

Five of 15 items in the assessment outcome of the digital group were significantly better than the traditional group. The questionnaire results from the students of the experimental group indicated 96.97% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that using digital training system could better improve the practical ability than traditional method. The total scores of practical results were significantly positively correlated with the points of the questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

The digital training system with OPRS and RDTES might be a good alternative to the traditional training method in the preclinical course of dental practice.

Co-Existence of Novel PDE6A Mutations and A Recurrent RPGR Mutation: A Potential Explanation for Phenotypic Diversity in Female RPGR Mutation Carriers

BACKGROUND

To report the co-existence of novel biallelic PDE6A mutations and heterozygous RPGR mutation in a Chinese female patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and to analyze the intrafamilial phenotypic diversity.

METHODS

Three patients with retinopathy and four healthy family members were included in genetic and clinical analyses. Personal medical records were obtained from another four unaffected female family members who refused blood donation. Family history was carefully recorded. Each patient received comprehensive ophthalmic tests. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach was performed on the proband to determine the retinopathy causative mutation for this family. In silico analysis was also applied to analyze the pathogenesis of identified mutations.

RESULTS

The two recruited male patients were diagnosed with RP, and the female patient RP sine pigmento (RPSP). Genetic assessments revealed a recurrent RPGR mutation, c.1926_1927insA, carried by all three patients and segregated the disease status. Three other unaffected female family members were confirmed as carriers for the identified RPGR mutation, and another four as obligate carriers. Interestingly, of all the eight female RPGR mutation carriers in this family, only one female developed retinal dystrophy. Comprehensive genetic analysis of this patient unraveled additional biallelic PDE6A mutations, c.[1066-9delT];[2324delG], carried solely by this individual.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, we hypothesize that the phenotypic variability presented by female RPGR mutation carriers may be attributed to the co-existence of other disease-causative mutations. Our study also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive genetic analysis in these female carriers, which will contribute to better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for these patients.

Aberrant activation of the type I interferon system may contribute to the pathogenesis of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 dermatomyositis

BACKGROUND

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) dermatomyositis (DM) is a distinctive subtype of DM that carries a significant risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD). The mechanisms remain elusive.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the role of the type I interferon (IFN) system in the pathogenesis of anti-MDA5 DM.

METHODS

Twenty patients with anti-MDA5 DM were studied and compared with patients with anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) DM (n = 10) and autoantibody-negative patients with DM (n = 20). The levels of inflammatory cytokines, B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and Krebs von den Lungen (KL)-6 in blood were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and multiplex assays. Expressions of transcripts for IFN-associated sensors and type I IFN-inducible genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, interferon-stimulated gene (ISG)15 and MxA proteins in skin lesions were analysed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Plasma IFN-α levels were significantly increased in patients with anti-MDA5 DM. PBMCs from patients with anti-MDA5 DM showed significant upregulation of the TLR3, TLR7, IFIH1 and DDX58 genes, as well as serial IFN-inducible genes. Skin biopsies from patients with anti-MDA5 DM were characterized by strong expression of the STAT1, ISG15 and MxA proteins. In the patients with anti-MDA5 DM and ILD with high IFN-α production, there was a positive quantitative correlation between IFN-α and BAFF (r_s = 0·63, P = 0·044). In addition, the higher levels of BAFF paralleled the higher concentrations of KL-6 (r_s = 0·86, P = 0·0012).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the aberrant activation of the type I IFN system in anti-MDA5 DM. Overproduction of IFN-α linked with BAFF may be implicated in the development of ILD.

Adsorption behavior of norfloxacin and site energy distribution based on the Dubinin-Astakhov isotherm

Concerns about the water resources contaminated by fluoroquinolone antibiotics have prompted research on effective and efficient treatment technologies. In this work, adsorbents based on barley straw were characterized on morphology, surface functional groups, and charge states for the adsorption of norfloxacin, a representative of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, from aqueous solutions. The effects of solution pH were studied, and high norfloxacin adsorption capacities of pretreated barley straw were achieved in a wide pH range (2.90-10.50), which were much higher than those of raw barley straw. The adsorbent was also able to remove norfloxacin from low to high concentration range, demonstrating its capability for norfloxacin removal from water bodies. The electron-donor-acceptor interactions were proposed as one of the main adsorption mechanisms. The adsorption kinetic data achieved at a range of concentrations were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption equilibrium data were reasonably well-fitted by the Dubinin-Astakhov model, and a site energy distribution function based on the Dubinin-Astakhov model was determined. With higher site energies, the pretreated barley straw demonstrated a much stronger adsorption affinity for norfloxacin than raw barley straw.

[The impact of resection of skull base tumor via an endoscopic endonasal approach on the visual function of vision impaired patients and the analysis of factors affecting their visual recovery]

Objective: To evaluate the visual outcomes of patients with visual impairment after resecting skull base tumor via an endoscopic endonasal approach, and to analyze the factors affecting visual recovery. Methods: One hundred and fifty-three patients with skull base tumor who suffered from preoperative visual impairment from Skull Base Surgery Center of Xuanwu Hospital were operated through an endoscopic endonasal approach. Both preoperative and postoperative visual function outcomes as well as factors that might have affected their visual recovery were analyzed retrospectively by Chi square test and Logistic regression analysis. Results: Complete resection was achieved in 85.6% of the patients using this technique. The rate of postoperative visual recovery in the female group (86.1%) was higher than that in the male group (73.9%), the benign group (90.2%) higher than the malignant group (20.0%), the group without optic atrophy (97.1%) higher than the one with (51.2%), and the acute group (96.6%) higher than the chronic group (80.0%). Significant differences were found between the abovementioned groups (χ(2) value was 5.849, 87.860, 79.757, 4.745, respectively, all P<0.05). The degree of optic atrophy and the property of tumors were significantly associated with visual improvement after treatment (Wold χ(2) value was 18.597 and 35.623, all P<0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that endoscopic endonasal surgery shows its ability both to resect skull base tumors and to improve visual function in the majority of patients. The timing of treatment for patients suffered from preoperative visual impairment should be selected in early stage before optic atrophy occurs.

Refractive index sensor with high sensitivity based on circular photonic crystal

A highly sensitive refractive index sensor is proposed that consists of a silicon ring surrounding a cavity in a circular photonic crystal (CPC). The bandgap of the CPC is determined from the transmission spectra. Relationships between the performance parameters and the structure parameters of the sensor are investigated. Transmission spectra of the optimized sensor filled with different analytes are analyzed, and a sensitivity of 1054 nm/RIU (refractive index units) and a quality factor of 18,206 are obtained. This work is expected to facilitate the application of sensors based on CPC.

A Capsule-Type Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer for Fast Screening of External Corrosion in Nonmagnetic Pipes

For fuel transmission and structural strengthening, small-diameter pipes of nonmagnetic materials are extensively adopted in engineering fields including aerospace, energy, transportation, etc. However, the hostile and corrosive environment leaves them vulnerable to external corrosion which poses a severe threat to structural integrity of pipes. Therefore, it is imperative to nondestructively detect and evaluate the external corrosion in nonmagnetic pipes. In light of this, a capsule-type Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) for in-situ nondestructive evaluation of nonmagnetic pipes and fast screening of external corrosion is proposed in this paper. A 3D hybrid model for efficient prediction of responses from the proposed transducer to external corrosion is established. Closed-form expressions of field quantities of electromagnetics and EMAT signals are formulated. Simulations based on the hybrid model indicate feasibility of the proposed transducer in detection and evaluation of external corrosion in nonmagnetic pipes. In parallel, experiments with the fabricated transducer have been carried out. Experimental results are supportive of the conclusion drawn from simulations. The investigation via simulations and experiments implies that the proposed capsule-type EMAT is capable of fast screening of external corrosion, which is beneficial to the in-situ nondestructive evaluation of small-diameter nonmagnetic pipes.