Analysis of microRNA expression profiles reveals a 5‑microRNA prognostic signature for predicting overall survival time in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma

There is growing evidence supporting dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential prognostic biomarkers in cancer. The present study aimed to identify an miRNA model set with prognostic power for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. miRNA‑seq data from 155 patients and 37 controls were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for a comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression profiles and were used as training data. A total of 5 prognostic miRNAs, which have not been previously reported, were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A separate 155‑patient TCGA cohort was used as a validation set for evaluation of the risk model. Patients in the training set were assigned into high‑ and low‑risk groups according to the 5‑miRNA signature risk scores. Kaplan‑Meier survival analyses demonstrated that patients with high risk scores had significantly shorter survival times than those with low risk scores. The risk model validation confirmed the prognostic ability of this 5‑miRNA signature in predicting the risk status of patients. Stratification analysis for clinical prognostic variables demonstrated recurrence and age were significant prognostic factors in the low‑ and high‑risk groups, respectively. In conclusion, the present 5‑miRNA signature is a potential independent risk factor for patient outcomes. The risk model based on the 5‑miRNA signature performed well in predicting overall survival time in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.

Simplified LC-MS/MS method for quantification of IG-105, a novel tubulin ligand, and its application to the pharmacokinetic study in rats at the anticancer effective dose

IG-105, N-(2, 6-dimethoxypyridine-3-yl)-9-methylcarbazole-3-sulfonamide, a novel carbazole sulfonamide, shows a potent anticancer activity in a variety of human tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, a rapid and convenient liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and applied to the pharmacokinetic study of IG-105 in rats. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a C₁₈ column using an isocratic mobile phase of acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (56:44:0.2, v/v/v). The ion transitions of IG-105 and combretastatin A4 (internal standard) in selected reaction monitoring mode were m/z 398→154 and m/z 317→286, respectively. The assay exhibited good linearity over the range of 2-512 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precisions were within 8.2 %, and the accuracies ranged from -6.0 to 3.7 %. The extraction recoveries were higher than 90 %, and the matrix effects were negligible. All quality control samples were stable at different storage conditions. The validated LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study of IG-105 in rats after a single oral dose of 100, 250, or 1000 mg/kg which showed tumor growth inhibition activity. The absorption of IG-105 was proved to be rapid but saturated to a certain extent into the blood circulation, from where it was distributed and eliminated gradually.

Beclin 1, LC3, and p62 expression in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Paraquat (PQ) is a highly toxic herbicide to humans. Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most typical features of PQ poisoning, which develops from several days to weeks after ingestion. However, the mechanism of fibrosis is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine expressions of autophagy-related markers Beclin 1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), and p62 in PQ-poisoned lungs and to explore the role of autophagy in pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ. We detected markers of lung fibrosis and expressions of autophagy-related protein in the specimens from eight fatal cases of PQ poisoning by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry. Based on the staining results of lung fibrosis, these cases were divided into two groups, fibrosis and non-fibrosis groups. The correlation between autophagy protein expressions and pulmonary fibrosis was examined. The results demonstrated that the autophagy-related proteins were significantly expressed in fibrosis group compared with the non-fibrosis group. There was a significantly positive correlation between these protein expressions and severity of lung fibrosis. In conclusion, autophagy dysfunction may be involved in lung fibrogenesis caused by PQ poisoning. This may be a promising clue for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying PQ-induced lung fibrosis and provide evidence for treating fibrosis by regulating the level of autophagy.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model

Objectives

Previously, we reported the improved transfection efficiency of a plasmid DNA-chitosan (pDNA-CS) complex using a phosphorylatable nuclear localization signal-linked nucleic kinase substrate short peptide (pNNS) conjugated to chitosan (pNNS-CS). This study investigated the effects of pNNS-CS-mediated miR-140 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) gene transfection both in rabbit chondrocytes and a cartilage defect model.

Methods

The pBudCE4.1-miR-140, pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra, and negative control pBudCE4.1 plasmids were constructed and combined with pNNS-CS to form pDNA/pNNS-CS complexes. These complexes were transfected into chondrocytes or injected into the knee joint cavity.

Results

High IL-1Ra and miR-140 expression levels were detected both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, compared with the pBudCE4.1 group, the transgenic group presented with significantly increased chondrocyte proliferation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, as well as increased collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) levels. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was reduced, as were a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 (ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 levels. In vivo, the exogenous genes reduced the synovial fluid GAG and NO concentrations and the ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 levels in cartilage. In contrast, COL2A1, ACAN, and TIMP-1 levels were increased, and the cartilage Mankin score was decreased in the transgenic group compared with the pBudCE4.1 group. Double gene combination produced greater efficacies than each single gene, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

This study suggests that pNNS-CS is a good candidate for treating cartilage defects via gene therapy, and that IL-1Ra in combination with miR-140 produces promising biological effects on cartilage defects.

Cite this article: R. Zhao, S. Wang, L. Jia, Q. Li, J. Qiao, X. Peng. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:165–178. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.83.BJR-2018-0222.R1.

Association between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Intracerebral Hemorrhage

To determine whether non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are connected, and assess the role played by NAFLD in ICH development. A retrospective study evaluated inpatients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University. We divided the patients into Group A (ICH with NAFLD) and Group B (ICH alone). Moreover, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. A total of 128 patients were included: 34 ICH with NAFLD (group A) and 94 ICH (group B). Sixteen patients exhibited an unfavorable outcome. There was no significant difference among the two groups on the underlying diseases hypertension and heart disease. Group A had more diabetes mellitus cases (35.29% vs 12.76%, p = 0.004). Levels of alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride were higher in group A than in group B (all p < 0.05), while differences in other blood biochemistry tests were statistically insignificant (all p > 0.05). There was a similarity in bleeding sites except for brainstem hemorrhage, which was higher in group B patients (p = 0.036). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low-density lipoprotein (OR, 0.278; 95% CI (0.107–0.702), p = 0.008) was a protective factor for ICH patients with NAFLD. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at discharge (OR, 3.152; 95% CI (1.532–6.486), p = 0.002) was independent of risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. Serum levels of LDL was a protective factor. NAFLD did not increase the unfavorable outcome of ICH patients in our study.

[Meta-analysis on influence of psychological nursing on quality of life of AIDS patients]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of psychological nursing intervention on the quality of life of AIDS patients. Methods: The experimental studies about the influence of psychological nursing intervention on the quality of life of AIDS patients were systematically retrieved in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM), China journal full text database (CNKI), Wanfang database and VIP Chinese science and technology periodical database (VIP). The SF-36 scale scores in 8 dimensions were combined with Review Manager 5.3, the weighted mean difference and 95% CI of the value of the combined effects were calculated. Results: In addition to the dimension of physiological function, the differences in weighted mean of the remaining seven dimensions of SF-36 scales were significant, among which the average score of physiological function increased to 6.48, but the average score of emotional function increased up to 19.90. It can be considered that in addition to the dimension of physiological function, the score of the other dimensions were improved after the psychological nursing intervention. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the differences in weighted means of the eight dimensions of SF-36 scale were significant, indicating that the quality of life of the observation group was higher than that of the control group. Conclusion: Psychological nursing intervention can improve the quality of life of AIDS patients, and it is suggested to use it in clinical practice.

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in acute-on-chronic liver failure: prevalence, characteristics, and impact on prognosis

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGH) is a life-threatening complication in patients with cirrhosis; however, data regarding the role of UGH in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are limited.

METHODS

A prospective, observational cohort study was performed from February 2014 to Mach 2015.

RESULTS

UGH was identified in 170 of 492 cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation (AD) at the time of admission. Logistic regression analysis showed that fecal occult blood test positivity was an independent risk factor for UGH in patients with or without ACLF [OR(95%CI): 8.31(4.89-14.10), p < 0.001; and 6.29 (1.48-26.76), p = 0.031]. Other independent risk factors were a history of gastrointestinal bleeding [OR(95% CI): 13.43 (7.17-25.15), p < 0.001], older age [OR(95% CI): 0.98(0.96-0.99), p = 0.003], greater INR level [OR(95% CI): 0.48(0.28-0.81), p = 0.007] in patients without ACLF. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis indicated that UGH did not increase mortality at different times in cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation.

CONCLUSIONS

UGH is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients with AD, even those with ACLF. Positive fecal occult blood tests and previous GI bleeding were shown to be associated with the risk of UGH. UGH did not significantly increase the risk of mortality in cirrhotic patients with AD or ACLF.

[A meta-analysis of the test results of five indicators for hepatitis B virus of college freshmen in current mainland China]

Objective: Using Meta analysis to evaluate the test results of five indicators and main infection patterns for hepatitis B virus (HBV) of college freshmen in mainland China. Methods: In this paper, "college students", "college freshmen", "hepatitis b virus" and "HBV" were used to search systematically for cross-sectional data of the results of five indicators for HBV of entrants from 2006-2015 through CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP as well as Pubmed and Web of Science. Then Combie's standard for cross-sectional study was used to assess the qualities of the articles included, and Stata 14.0 software and Meta analysis method (including performing heterogeneity test, calculating combined detection rates and carrying out sensitivity analysis and publication bias test) were used to analyze and evaluate the epidemiological significance of the results above. Results: Sixteen studies containing 82 144 cases were included. The result of heterogeneity test showed that there was significant heterogeneity (P<0.001), hence random effects model was adopted. The Meta analysis resulted in total positive rate for surface antigen (HBsAg) of 7.0% (95%CI: 6.0%-8.0%), surface antibody positive rate (HBsAb) of 46.0% (95%CI: 42.0%-49.0%), and positive rate for HBsAg, core antibody (HBcAb) combined with E antigen (HBeAg) or E antibody (HBeAb) of 3.0% (95%CI: 2.0%-3.0%) and 3.0% (95%CI: 2.0%-3.0%), respectively; whereas the negative rate of all indicators was 41.0% (95%CI: 35.0%-46.0%). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were highly heterogeneous (P<0.001), while the result of Egger's regression indicated that there were publication bias of all indicators (P<0.05), except for HBsAb (P=0.436). Conclusion: The positive rates of HBsAg and HBsAb of college students are lower than those of general population, while the positive rates of HBsAg, HBcAb combined with HBeAg or HBeAb and the all-negative rate of HBV count for a considerable proportion among entrants.

Multicenter evaluation of the biochip assay for rapid detection of mycobacterial isolates in smear-positive specimens

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to conduct a multicentre evaluation of the performance of the biochip assay in the rapid identification of mycobacteria in smear-positive sputum specimens.

METHODS

A total of 1751 sputum specimens were obtained from 7 cities in Zhejiang, China. All of the specimens were used for the discrimination of Mycobacterium species using the biochip assay, and the results were compared to the golden standard method of culture, hsp65, 16S rRNA and rpoB sequence analysis.

RESULTS

In the 1751 sputum specimens, 1685 samples were cultured successfully; among these samples, 1361 were Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 323 were NTM and 1 was Nocadia farcinica. Of the 323 NTM, most of them were Mycobacterium intracellulare(52.5%) followed by Mycobacterium abscessus (20.7%), Mycobacterium avium (11.7%), Mycobacterium kansasii (9.6%) and Mycobacterium fortuitum (1.9%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the biochip assay to differentiate TB and NTM from AFB positive specimens were 99.8%, 99.7%, 99.9%, 99.1%, 98.8%, 1, 1, and 99.7%, respectively. The concordance between the biochip assay and mycobacterial culture for the identification of NTM species was 95.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The biochip assay is a reliable tool for the rapid identification of most mycobacteria in clinical sputum specimens. This assay can be helpful for physicians in the early diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterium infections.

[Preliminary application of endonasopharyngeal ultrasound-guided transnasopharyngeal needle aspiration in the diagnosis of submucosal nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and clinical value of endonasopharyngeal ultrasound-guided transnasopharyngeal needle aspiration (ENUS-TNNA) in the diagnosis of submucosal nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Clinical data of 9 patients from Sichuan Cancer Hospital with submucosal nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing ENUS-TNNA between December 2013 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The feasibility and safety were analyed. All 9 patients were all males with a mean age of (49.2±10.9) years. Results: Needle puncture biopsies were successfully performed in all cases, and sufficient tissue sample for histopathological examination was obtained from each of the 9 patients. No major bleeding or persistent bleeding occurred during and after puncture procedures. There were 5 patients with undifferentiated nonkeratinizing carcinoma and 4 patients poorly differentiated carcinoma. Conclusion: ENUS-TNNA is a safe, feasible and effective technique to provide a diagnosis of submucosal growth type of nasopharyngeal neoplasms, which has some clinical value.

Prognostic utility of novel biomarkers in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) associated with hepatitis B: A multicenter prospective study

AIM

Flare-ups of chronic hepatitis B can sometimes be severe and even progress to acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), with high short-term mortality. A timely estimation of the risk of death should be initiated early. The aim of the present study was to determine whether novel biomarkers add prognostic information beyond current clinical scoring systems.

METHODS

Patients with hepatitis B-associated ACLF were prospectively enrolled from five hospitals in China between August 2017 and March 2018. Their plasma was screened for soluble CD163 (sCD163), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and copeptin. The association between these biomarkers and mortality was analyzed. The performance of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease, Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver-ACLF Research Consortium score, and the Chronic Liver Failure Consortium ACLF score, with or without biomarkers, were compared.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty one patients were enrolled. Advanced ACLF patients had significantly higher levels than early ACLF individuals of plasma biomarkers sCD163 (P = 0.001), NGAL (P = 0.006), and copeptin (P = 0.049). Thirty-four deaths occurred during the 28-day follow-up period (22.5%). Both sCD163 and NGAL showed a strong independent association with 28-day mortality, whereas copeptin did not. Scoring systems incorporating sCD163 and NGAL had better discrimination and calibration, as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, the Akaike information criteria, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Soluble CD163 and NGAL are independently associated with short-term mortality in hepatitis B-associated ACLF. Use of a combination of sCD163 and NGAL improves prognostication.

Identification of a SiCL1 gene controlling leaf curling and capsule indehiscence in sesame via cross-population association mapping and genomic variants screening

BACKGROUND

Leaf shape can affect plantlet development and seed yield in sesame. The morphological, histological and genetic analyses of a sesame mutant cl1 (cl) with curly leaf and indehiscent capsule traits were performed in this study. In order to clone the cl1 gene for breeding selection, genome re-sequencing of the 130 individuals of cl1 × USA (0)-26 F₂ population and a bulked segregation analysis (BSA) pool was carried out. The genome re-sequencing data of the 822 germplasm with normal leaf shape were applied.

RESULTS

For cl1 mutant, the adaxial/abaxial character of the parenchyma cells in the leaf blades is reduced. Results proved that the leaf curling trait is controlled by a recessive gene (Sicl1). Cross- population association of the F₂ population of cl1 × USA (0)-26 indicated that the target cl locus was located on the interval C29 between C29_6522236 and C29_6918901 of SiChr. 1. Further regional genome variants screening determined the 6 candidate variants using genomic variants data of 822 natural germplasm and a BSA pool data. Of which, 5 markers C29_6717525, C29_6721553, C29_6721558, C29_6721563, and C29_6721565 existed in the same gene (C29.460). With the aid of the validation in the test F₂ population of cl1 × Yuzhi 11 and natural germplasm, the integrated marker SiCLInDel1 (C29: 6721553-6721572) was determined as the target marker, and C29.460 was the target gene SiCL1 in sesame. SiCL1 is a KAN1 homolog with the full length of 6835 bp. In cl1, the 20 nucleic acids (CAGGTAGCTATGTATATGCA) of SiCLInDel1 marker were mutagenized into 6 nucleic acids (TCTTTG). The deletion led to a frameshift mutation and resulted in the earlier translation termination of the CL gene. The Sicl1 allele was shortened to 1829 bp. SiCL1 gene was expressed mainly in the tissues of stem, leaf, bud, capsule and seed.

CONCLUSIONS

SiCL1 encodes a transcription repressor KAN1 protein and controls leaf curling and capsule indehiscence in sesame. The findings provided an example of high-efficient gene cloning in sesame. The SiCL1 gene and the cl1 mutant supply the opportunity to explore the development regulation of leaf and capsule, and would improve the new variety breeding with high harvest mechanization adaption in sesame.

[Retrospect on 60 years' history and prospect of Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University]

The Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University is the leading team in Shandong province. It is integrated with clinical treatment, scientific research, teaching, personnel training, and medical service for social crisis, which undertakes the tasks of giving lessons and offering chances for noviciate and internship of burns and plastic surgery in College of Medicine of Shandong University. It is not only the training unit affiliated to College of Medicine of Shandong University for master students and doctoral students major in burns and plastic surgery, but also the national training base for specialists of burns and plastic surgery. It is the national key clinical subject of burn surgery. Over the past 60 years, with the concerted efforts of several generations, it has made significant contributions to the development and innovation of burns and plastic surgery in Shandong province and the whole China.

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients: an epidemiological study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiological features of bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in cirrhotic patients and their impact on mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective study of cirrhotic patients with culture-confirmed bacterial infections was performed between 2011 and 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 635 episodes in 563 patients with cirrhosis were included. Bacterial infections caused by MDR isolates accounted for 44.1% (280/635) of the episodes, nearly half of which were hospital acquired (48.4%). The most common MDR isolation site was the respiratory tract (36.4%, 102 episodes), followed by the abdominal cavity (35.4%, 99 episodes). Of the MDR isolates, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) (91 episodes) were the most common. Patients infected with MDR bacteria had significantly higher mortality than those not infected (25.1% vs 17.4%, p = 0.025). However, this increased mortality could be largely attributed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). After adjustment for age, sex, and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, only MRSA infection was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis (HR, 2.964, 95% CI (1.175-7.478), p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

MDR bacterial infections, especially CRE, have become frequent in patients with cirrhosis in recent years, with MRSA infections significantly increasing short-term mortality.

[Analysis on reproductive health service, demographics and characteristics of internal migrant population in three municipalities of China]

Objective: To investigate the utilization of reproductive health services and relating factors among internal migrant population in Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing. Methods: A multi-stage cluster sampling method was adopted in this cross-sectional study, conducted in Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing from August 2014 to August 2015. Standard methods on statistics and nonlinear canonical correlation were applied. Results: Out of the 6 545 internal migrant persons, 41.76% ever used the reproductive health services in the past year. Results from the nonlinear canonical correlation analysis revealed that the utilization of reproductive health services was correlated with the demographic features (=0.28, P<0.000 1) and characteristics of the population mobility (=0.21, P<0.000 1), respectively. For the above said demographic features, canonical variable L(1) which represented the demographic features was mainly determined by area, occupation and education attainment. Canonical variable M(1) that reflected the utilization of reproductive health services, was mainly determined by factors as free contraceptives, education on contraception/reproductive health, and pregnancy diagnosis/antenatal care. As for the characteristics of the population mobility, canonical variable U(1), which represented population mobility characteristics, was mainly determined by factors as purpose of migration, current pattern of residence and the length of annual stay in the area. Again, the canonical variable V(1), reflecting the use of reproductive health services was mainly determined by factors as free contraceptives, check-up on reproductive tract infection, education on contraception/reproductive health, and pregnancy diagnosis/antenatal care. Conclusions: The utilization of reproductive health services was low among the internal migrant population under study. Responsible departments for health and family planning in those cities should make internal migrants attach importance to reproductive health.