Early experience with the Venus p‑valve for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in native outflow tract

Introduction

The Venus p‑valve (MedTech, Shanghai, China) is a self-expanding percutaneous heart valve designed to be implanted in a native patched right ventricle outflow tract. The worldwide clinical experience with this valve is just beginning and the results have so far been encouraging. We present our initial early experience implanting the Venus p‑valve in the native right ventricle outflow tract of patients with Tetralogy of Fallot repaired with a transannular patch.

Methods

In 10 selected patients a procedure for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation was performed using the Venus p‑valve. The patients mean age was 32 years (13–57), mean weight 59.6 kg (40–80). All patients had Tetralogy of Fallot with moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation and an indication for pulmonary valve replacement.

Results

The implantation procedure was successful in all the patients resulting in an immediately functional valve. No procedure-related complications were observed. Follow-up after 12 months (4–21) resulted in an improvement in NYHA class. There was a reduction of the mean right ventricle diastolic volume from 139 ml/m² (105–179) to 78 ml/m² (65–100) and improvement in the regurgitation fraction from 42% (29–58) to 1% (0–5), as seen on routine cardiac magnetic resonance 6 months after the implantation. No stent fractures have been observed so far.

Conclusion

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation with the Venus p‑valve resulted in a safe and effective procedure. The valve has predictable and sustained functional competence, resulting in clinical improvement in the patients.

Retraction RETRACTION of "Association between polymorphisms in the XRCC1 gene and the risk of non-small cell lung cancer", by Han JC, Zhang YJ and Li XD - Genet. Mol. Res. 14 (4): 12888-12893 (2015)

The retracted article is: Han JC, Zhang YJ and Li XD (2015). Association between polymorphisms in the XRCC1 gene and the risk of non-small cell lung cancer. Genet. Mol. Res. 14: 12888-12893. The GMR editorial staff was alerted about this article (received on May 3, 2015; accepted on August 18, 2015) published on October 21, 2015 (DOI: 10.4238/2015.October.21.9) that was found to be substantially similar to the publication of "Association of XRCC1 gene polymorphisms with risk of non-small cell lung cancer" (received on January 25, 2015; accepted on March 23, 2015; e-published on April 1, 2015) by Kang et al., published in the International Journal of Clinical Experimental Pathology 8 (4): 4171-4176. The authors were aware of the Kang et al.'s paper, since they cite it several times in the manuscript published in GMR. Some of the language is similar between the two manuscripts, but what is the most concerning is that several of the tables in the papers are nearly identical. Tables 2 and 3 are exactly identical between the two articles, suggesting that the publication in GMR was plagiarized from the publication in the International Journal of Clinical Experimental Pathology. The Publisher and Editor decided to retract these articles in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). After a thorough investigation, we have strong reason to believe that the peer review process was failure and, after review and contacting the authors, the editors of Genetics and Molecular Research decided to retract the article. The authors and their institutions were advised of this serious breach of ethics.

Discovery of differentially expressed genes in cashmere goat (Capra hircus) hair follicles by RNA sequencing

The mammalian hair follicle (HF) is a unique, highly regenerative organ with a distinct developmental cycle. Cashmere goat (Capra hircus) HFs can be divided into two categories based on structure and development time: primary and secondary follicles. To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the primary and secondary HFs of cashmere goats, the RNA sequencing of six individuals from Arbas, Inner Mongolia, was performed. A total of 617 DEGs were identified; 297 were upregulated while 320 were downregulated. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the main functions of the upregulated genes were electron transport, respiratory electron transport, mitochondrial electron transport, and gene expression. The downregulated genes were mainly involved in cell autophagy, protein complexes, neutrophil aggregation, and bacterial fungal defense reactions. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, these genes are mainly involved in the metabolism of cysteine and methionine, RNA polymerization, and the MAPK signaling pathway, and were enriched in primary follicles. A microRNA-target network revealed that secondary follicles are involved in several important biological processes, such as the synthesis of keratin-associated proteins and enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis. In summary, these findings will increase our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms of HF development and cycling, and provide a basis for the further study of the genes and functions of HF development.

Application of TiO2-organobentonite modified by cetyltrimethylammonium chloride photocatalyst and polyaluminum chloride coagulant for pretreatment of aging landfill leachate

This study investigated the treatment performance for aging leachate containing refractory organic pollutants by TiO2-organobentonite photocatalyst combined with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) coagulant. TiO2 was immobilized on organobentonite granules as a supporter modified by cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). The prepared catalysts were characterized by ESEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis, which showed that TiO2-organobentonite catalyst had uniform coating of TiO2 on support. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH3-N removal rates by combination of TiO2-CTAC2.0 photocatalysis and PAC coagulation were evaluated, optimized, and compared to that by either treatment alone, with respect to TiO2-CTAC2.0 dose, photocatalytic contact time, pH, and PAC dose. Furthermore, higher removal rates (COD 80 %; NH3-N 46 %) were achieved by response surface methodology (RSM) when TiO2-CTAC2.0 photocatalysis was followed by PAC coagulation at optimized conditions. The optimized experimental conditions were TiO2-CTAC2.0 dosage of 5.09 g/L, at pH 5.53, photocatalytic contact time for 180 min, and PAC dosage of 1062 mg/L.

Relation of the fourth-order statistical invariants of velocity gradient tensor in isotropic turbulence

We show by direct numerical simulations (DNSs) that in different types of isotropic turbulence, the fourth-order statistical invariants have approximately a linear relation, which can be represented by a straight line in the phase plane, passing two extreme states: the Gaussian state and the restricted Euler state. Also, each DNS case corresponds to an equilibrium region that is roughly Reynolds-dependent. In addition, both the time reversal and the compressibility effect lead to nonequilibrium transition processes in this phase plane. This observation adds a new restriction on the mean-field theory.

[Relationship and clinical significance between mutated BRAF with prophylactic central-neck nodal dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the molecular diagnosis marker of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the relationship between lymphatic metastasis of central neck compartment PTC, and the operation indication of prophylactic central neck dissection.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study, including 275 PTC patients and detected their BRAF mutation rates during 2012 and 2014 and explored the risk factors of the central node lymphatic metastasis by Logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Of the 275 PTC patients, 224 (81.5%) were female and 51 (18.5%) were male. BRAF mutational rates were 53.8% (148/275) and lymphatic metastasis 57.8% (159/275). Multivariate analysis showed calcification (OR(adjusted)=1.47, 95%CI: 1.10-1.98, P=0.01), tumor diameter (OR(adjusted)=1.48, 95%CI: 1.04-2.30, P=0.048) and age (OR(adjusted)=1.48, 95%CI: 1.04-2.30, P=0.048) were associated with lymphatic metastasis. In stratified analysis, BRAF mutation (OR(adjusted)=3.19, 95%CI: 1.18-9.43, P=0.023) in clear boarder group and BRAF mutation (OR(adjusted)=4.84, 95%CI: 1.68-13.84, P=0.003) in calcification group were more likely to have lymphatic metastases.

CONCLUSION

Central neck metastasis takes up a high ratio in papillary thyroid cancer patients, BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma is a characteristic molecular event. Furthermore, patients with calcification under ultrasound detection, lower age group and longer tumor diameter are more susceptible to suffer central neck metastasis. Especially for stratified analysis, non-calcified BRAF mutation or BRAF mutation with clear border under ultrasound detection are more susceptible to suffer central neck metastasis, and radical prophylactic central neck dissection should be carried on for these patients.

[Cone beam CT-derived adaptive radiotherapy for setup error assessment and correction in whole breast intensity modulated radiotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the setup error (SE) in breast cancer patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) based on cone beam CT (CBCT), and to explore the feasibility of using several CBCT scans to presume and correct SE in the treatment for breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Eighteen breast cancer patients after breast conserving surgery who underwent whole breast IMRT were included in this study. Three dimensional interfraction motion before and after on-line CBCT-based corrections were quantified. The on-line CBCT-based corrections were performed using automated greyscale match. The system SE (Σ) and random error (σ) were calculated for each patient based on the consecutive multiple online scanning based on CBCT (≥5). The trends in magnitudes of Σ and σwere assessed during the treatment.

RESULTS

The magnitude variation of Σ was less than 1 mm before and after on-line CBCT-based corrections. As the CBCT scanning times increase (before 10 times), the Σ in anteroposterior (AP) direction was increased significantly, and σin three dimensional directions was also increased after 7 times of CBCT scanning. After on-line CBCT-based corrections, the Σ showed a steady trend by variation near zero for the first 20 times irradiation; but after 20 times, the Σ in AP and superoinferior (SI) directions was increased slightly (less than 0.5 mm), and σdecreased in three-dimensional directions. There were no significant differences for Σ, σand setup margin (SM) before and after on-line CBCT-based corrections in all three directions (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For breast cancer patients who underwent IMRT after breast conserving surgery, the setup error is relatively stable during the whole irradiation. The first 5 CBCT scans are suitable to presume and correct SE, and also can be used as the right time for adaptive radiotherapy planning revision.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of IL-17 Gene Are Associated with Asthma Susceptibility in an Asian Population

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-17 (IL-17), including rs763780 (7488A/G), rs2275913 (-197G/A), and rs8193036 (-737C/T), and asthma susceptibility in an Asian population.

MATERIAL/METHODS

From Oct 2013 to Dec 2014, 125 asthma patients enrolled in our hospital were selected as the case group. Another 132 healthy controls undergoing physical examinations in our hospital were enrolled as the control group. The genotype frequencies of IL-17 rs763780, rs2275913 and rs8193036 SNPs were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 (CMA 2.0) software was applied for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that asthma patients presented with higher frequencies of GA genotype in rs2275913 and TT genotype in rs8193036 of IL-17 than healthy controls (both P<0.001). The genotype frequencies of IL-17 rs763780 between the asthma patients and healthy controls exhibited no significant differences (P>0.05). The comparisons on the rs2275913 and rs8193036 frequencies between the asthma patients and healthy controls were statistically significant in both allele and addictive models (all P<0.05). The frequency of IL-17 rs763780 between the asthma patients and healthy controls were statistically different in allele models (P<0.05), but not in addictive models (P>0.05). The overall results of our case-control study were further confirmed by meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that, in an Asian population, IL-17 rs763780, rs2275913, and rs8193036 SNPs may be associated with asthma susceptibility, and GA genotype in rs2275913 and TT genotype in rs8193036 of IL-17 may contribute to increased risk of asthma in Asians.

[Prokaryotic expression and purification of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and the inhibiting effect against Candida albicans]

OBJECTIVE

To study the inhibitory effect of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 on Candida albicans through its ability to promote the secretion of immune factors by vaginal epithelial cells.

METHODS

(1) LL-37 prokaryotic expression vector pET-Duet/LL-37 was constructed and its expression was induced in Escherichia coli M15. The expressed LL-37 fusion protein was purified and identified by western blot. Antifungal activity of the purified protein was initially identified by Kirby-Bauer (K-B) method. (2) Purified LL-37 protein was added to human vaginal epithelial cells co-cultured with Candida, and inhibitory effect on Candida growth was determined by the glucose consumption method. Interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 10 (IL-10) concentration and IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio were measured by ELISA at different time points.

RESULTS

(1) LL-37 fusion protein was purified to 96% purity at a concentration of 433.92 μg/ml, and was shown to possess anti-fungal activity confirmed by the K-B method. (2) A Candida-vaginal epithelial cells co-culture system was successfully constructed. LL-37 recombinant protein inhibited the growth of Candida with absorbance values significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the control group at all measured time points (12-hour: 3.008±0.003 versus 2.967±0.003, 24-hour: 2.941±0.003 versus 2.601±0.003, 48-hour: 2.893 ± 0.004 versus 2.409 ± 0.003; all P<0.01). Furthermore, the rate of decrease was also much slower compared to the control group. In both control and experimental groups, IFN-γ and IL-10 secretion levels were observed to rise at first peaking at 24 hours and subsequently decrease. For each time period, IFN-γ concentration in the experimental group was significantly higher at 24 hours compared to the control group [(104.00 ± 1.07) versus (85.17 ± 0.28) pg/ml,P<0.01]. In contrast, IL-10 concentrations were significantly lower than the control group at all time points (P<0.01). IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio was also observed to be significantly higher than the control group at all measured time points (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Recombinant protein LL-37 could significantly inhibit the growth of Candida. (2) By influencing the secretion of immune factors such as IFN-γ, IL-10, etc, recombinant protein LL-37 is able to adjust vaginal epithelial cells local immunity, and enhance resistance to Candida infection.

[Comparison of jaw thrust and trapezius squeezing test as indicators for laryngeal mask airway insertion in infants and young children]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of the jaw thrust and the trapezius squeezing test(TST) for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in infants and children under sevoflurane anesthesia.

METHODS

A total of 100 children aged from 6 month to 3 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) Ⅰ-Ⅱ and undergoing minor operation were enrolled from January to June 2015 in Tianjin Children's Hospital. The patients were randomly divided into jaw thrusting group (Group J, n=50)and trapezius squeezing group(Group T, n=50). Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane. When children's eyelash reflex lose, jaw thrust/trapezius squeeze was applied every 15 seconds.It's considered that the depth of anesthesia was not enough, and test reaction was positive if any movements of body, limbs or toes were found at the point of test. Sevoflurane should be keep on inhalation until negative test reaction was appeared. Then LMA was inserted immediately.The time required for the negative test, end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations (ETsev), the index of Narcotrend anesthesia monitor(NT), the occurrence of gross purposeful movements, coughing, gagging, breath-holding, laryngospasm or an SpO2 < 90% during LMA insertion in two groups of patients were observed and recorded. The condition of LMA insertion and the rate of successful insertion were evaluated. The blood pressure(BP), heart rate(HR) and SpO2 were also recorded before and after LMA insertion.

RESULTS

In group J and group T, the time required for the negative test was (2.31±1.03) vs (2.85±0.97)min(t=-2.462, P<0.05), ETsev was(3.25±1.02)% vs (3.81±0.87) %(t=-2.361, P<0.05), the depth of anesthesia NT index was(50.41±5.38) vs (41.32±4.92)(t=3.021, all P<0.05). All of above results were significantly different. The successful rate of the first attempt LMA insertion was 78% vs 100%(χ(2)=12.36 , P<0.01), respectively. The differences had statistical significance. The conditions of LMA insertion in group T were superior to those in group J. The incidences of gross purposeful movements, coughing, gagging, breath-holding and SpO2<90% during LMA insertion in group J were 20%, 16%, 10%, 14% and 8%, which were higher than those in group T (2%, 2%, 0, 2%, 0), the differences were significant(χ(2)=8.27, 5.98, 5.26, 4.89, 4.17, all P<0.05). No significant change in blood pressure, heart rate and SpO2 were found before and after inserting LMA in two groups.

CONCLUSION

The trapezius squeezing test is a superior indicator of adequate condition for LMA insertion compared to the jaw thrust in infants and young children under sevoflurane anesthesia.

Hair follicle transcriptome profiles during the transition from anagen to catagen in Cashmere goat (Capra hircus)

Previous molecular genetic studies of the goat hair life cycle have focused primarily on a limited number of genes and proteins. To identify additional genes that may play important roles in hair follicle cycle regulation, Illumina sequencing technology was used to catalog differential gene expression profiles in the hair growth cycle (anagen to catagen) of goat, comparing the primary hair follicle with the secondary hair follicle. There were 13,769 and 12,240 unigenes assembled from the reads obtained from primary hair follicle and secondary hair follicle, respectively. Genes encoding keratin proteins and keratin-associated proteins were the most highly expressed. A total of 5899 genes were differentially expressed in anagen vs catagen primary hair follicles, with 532 genes up-regulated and 5367 genes down-regulated. A total of 5208 genes were differentially expressed in anagen vs catagen secondary hair follicle, including 545 genes that were up-regulated and 4663 genes that were down-regulated. Numerous hair growth genes are expressed in the goat hair follicle, of which 73 genes showed co-up-regulation in both hair follicles during the anagen stage. Many of these up-regulated genes, such as STC2, VEGFR, and ROR2, are known to be transfactors in the process of cell differentiation and in the cell cycle. The differential gene expression profiles between primary hair follicles and secondary hair follicles obtained provide a foundation for future studies examining the network of gene expression controlling hair growth cycle in Cashmere goat.

Role of VEGF gene polymorphisms in the clinical outcome of non-small cell lung cancer

This report details a study conducted to assess the role of VEGF gene polymorphisms in the prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Samples obtained from 210 advanced NSCLC patients admitted at the Huaihe Hospital of Henan University between January 2010 and December 2011 were recruited for this study. The VEGF -2578C/A (rs699947), +936C/T (rs3025039), and -634G/C (rs2010963) genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We discovered, by logistic regression analysis, that the TT genotype of VEGF +936C/T was associated with more complete response + partial response to chemotherapy, compared to the CC genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 4.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.34-25.85). We also found a correlation between the TT genotype of VEGF +936C/T and lower risk of death from all causes compared to the CC genotype (OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.10-0.69), using the Cox proportional hazard model (after adjusting for potential confounding factors). In conclusion, we discovered that the VEGF +936C/T gene polymorphism influences the response to chemotherapy and overall survival of NSCLC patients.

Relationships and redundancies of selected hemodynamic and structural parameters for characterizing virtual treatment of cerebral aneurysms with flow diverter devices

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To quantify the relationship and to demonstrate redundancies between hemodynamic and structural parameters before and after virtual treatment with a flow diverter device (FDD) in cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

Steady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed for 10 cerebral aneurysms where FDD treatment with the SILK device was simulated by virtually reducing the porosity at the aneurysm ostium. Velocity and pressure values proximal and distal to and at the aneurysm ostium as well as inside the aneurysm were quantified. In addition, dome-to-neck ratios and size ratios were determined. Multiple correlation analysis (MCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were conducted to demonstrate dependencies between both structural and hemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

Velocities in the aneurysm were reduced by 0.14m/s on average and correlated significantly (p<0.05) with velocity values in the parent artery (average correlation coefficient: 0.70). Pressure changes in the aneurysm correlated significantly with pressure values in the parent artery and aneurysm (average correlation coefficient: 0.87). MCA found statistically significant correlations between velocity values and between pressure values, respectively. HCA sorted velocity parameters, pressure parameters and structural parameters into different hierarchical clusters. HCA of aneurysms based on the parameter values yielded similar results by either including all (n=22) or only non-redundant parameters (n=2, 3 and 4).

CONCLUSION

Hemodynamic and structural parameters before and after virtual FDD treatment show strong inter-correlations. Redundancy of parameters was demonstrated with hierarchical cluster analysis.

MiR-152 regulates metastases of non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting neuropilin-1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that have been suggested to play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Recently, miR-152 was reported to be dysregulated in some human cancers. However, the function and mechanism of miR-152 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. In the present study, our findings showed that the expression of miR-152 was significantly down-regulated and neuropilin-1 was up-regulated in the NSCLC specimens. Moreover, the levels of miR-152 and neuropilin-1 were inversely correlated. Bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-152 targeted the 3'-UTR of neuropilin-1 mRNA to inhibit its translation. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-152 inhibited neuropilin-1 mediated cell invasiveness, while down-regulated expression of miR-152 increased neuropilin-1 mediated cell invasiveness in NSCLC cells. Together, these findings indicated that miR-152 suppression in NSCLC cells might promote neuropilin-1 mediated cancer metastasis and suggested a new therapeutic application of miR-152 in the treatment of NSCLC.

Relationship between serum leptin levels and non-small cell lung carcinoma: a meta-analysis

In this study, we analyzed the association between serum leptin levels and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). By examining English and Chinese databases, we identified potential relevant studies for statistical analysis. Human-associated case-control studies evaluating the association between serum leptin levels and NSCLC according to the random-effect model were retrieved and extracted data were statistically analyzed. We identified 7 case-control studies evaluating the correlation between serum leptin levels and NSCLC, which included 705 subjects (390 NSCLC patients and 315 healthy participants). Negative associations were investigated between serum leptin levels and NSCLC [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.13-1.79, P = 0.023). Ethnicity-stratified analysis revealed there was no elevated leptin serum levels in NSCLC development in both Asians (SMD = 0.34, 95%CI = -0.10-0.79, P = 0.132) and Caucasians (SMD = 1.42, 95%CI = -0.09-2.93, P = 0.064). Sample size-stratified analysis of the association between serum leptin levels and NSCLC were found in studies of small sample size (SMD = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.04-1.41, P = 0.038), but not in studies of large sample size (SMD = 1.24, 95%CI = -0.52-3.01, P = 0.166). In the method-stratified subgroup analysis, serum leptin level was not correlated with NSCLC using a immunoradiometric assay method (SMD = 0.82, 95%CI = -1.38-3.03, P = 0.465). Determining the levels of the blood-based marker leptin may provide predictive information for NSCLC diagnosis.

Downregulation of ASPP2 in pancreatic cancer cells contributes to increased resistance to gemcitabine through autophagy activation

Background

Apoptosis-stimulating of p53 protein 2 (ASPP2) is one of the ASPP family members and it has been reported to be associated with human cancer. However, the role of it in pancreatic cancer is still not clear.

Methods

We analyzed the expression level of ASPP2 in cancer tissue samples with RT-qPCR, Western Blotting assay and immunohistochemistry staining. We studied the biological function of ASPP2 and its mechanism with gene overexpression and gene silencing technologies. We determined the sensitivity of pancreatic cells with differential ASPP2 level to gemcitabine and whether autophagy inhibition affected the gemcitabine resistance, both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Expression of ASPP2 was downregulated in cancerous tissues in comparison with para-cancerous tissues. ASPP2 expression was linked to clinical outcomes in patients and down-regulation of ASPP2 increased cell proliferation, autophagic flux, the activity of AMP Kinase of pancreatic cancer cells and vice versa. Knockdown of ASPP2 results in increased resistance to gemcitabine, which was attributed to the enhanced autophagy.

Conclusions

ASSP2 expression is lower in cancerous tissues and decreased ASPP2 lead to higher cancer cells proliferation and autophagic flux, which contribute to the gemcitabine resistance.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-015-0447-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Serum Osteopontin Levels Correlate with Clinical and Pathological Features in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE

A metaanalysis was performed to investigate the association between serum osteopontin (OPN) levels and the clinical pathological features in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant studies published prior to September 2014 using PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Data extracted from the selected studies were analyzed using statistical software.

RESULTS

Based on our stringent selection criteria only 10 studies contained a combined total of 1,135 NSCLC patients. Our metaanalysis results clearly showed a strong correlation between serum OPN levels and multiple tumor parameters, such as TNM stage, histologic grade, and lymph node metastasis in NSCLC (TNM stage: RR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.62-0.77, p < 0.001; histologic grade: RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.48, p = 0.016; lymph node metastasis: RR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.48 - 1.93, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that serum OPN levels strongly correlate with clinical and pathological features in NSCLC patients.

Cobalt chromium-based biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent: rationale, evidence and clinical experience

Metallic drug-eluting stents (DES) are the first choice for percutaneous coronary interventional treatment of coronary artery disease at present. Although they have overcome some disadvantages and limitations of plain balloon angioplasty and bare-metal stents, chronic local inflammatory reactions related to permanent polymer existence and poor vascular healing after first generation DES implantation may translate into the increased risk of late and very late stent thrombosis. There have been technological developments in stent design, materials and coatings, including more conformable platform designs, biocompatible or biodegradable polymers and improved kinetics of drug release. The newer generation DES have proven superior to previous DES technology in terms of both safety and efficacy. Accumulating evidence has suggested that DES with cobalt chromium stent platform, modified biodegradable polymer coatings, and rapamycin derivative drugs are associated with improved clinical outcomes. Currently, several new cobalt chromium biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents have been introduced to clinical practice. This review will describe basic concept and rationale behind the newer cobalt chromium biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents, systematically present the new clinical experiences with several representative devices.

Influence of Dexmedetomidine on the Tourniquet Related Responses in Hypertension Patients Receiving Unilateral Knee Arthroplasty under General Anesthesia

This study aimed to investigate the influence of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the tourniquet related responses in hypertension patients receiving unilateral knee arthroplasty (UKA) under general anesthesia. Results showed that the incidence of tourniquet induced hypertension (TIH), hemodynamics, MAC and EtSEV in DEX group were significantly lower than those in control group, regardless of hypertension. However, significant differences in TIH, hemodynamics, minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and end-tidal sevoflurane (EtSEV) were not observed between hypertension patients and non-hypertension patients in both control group and DEX group. Moreover, oxygen index (OI) and respiratory index (RI) remained unchanged after deflation and DEX failed to affect OI and RI within 30 min after deflation, regardless of hypertension. Taken together, DEX may significantly improve the hemodynamics, which is independent of pre-existing hypertension.

miR-206 inhibits non small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by targeting SOX9

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that have been suggested to play an essential role in tumorigenesis. miR-206 functions as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, its role in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

METHODS

Expression levels of miR-206 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Then, we investigated the role of miR-206 on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the target gene of miR-206 and the results were validated in NSCLC cells.

RESULTS

In the present study, our results showed that miR-206 was decreased in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. Forced overexpression of miR-206 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. SOX9 was found to be a target of miR-206. Furthermore, down-regulation of SOX9 by shRNA performed similar effects with overexpression of miR-206.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that miR-206 acts as tumor suppressor in NSCLC partially via targeting SOX9.

Alternative splicing of NUMB, APP and VEGFA as the features of pancreatic ductal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of malignancy in pancreatic carcinoma. Here we report our discovery on the correlations between transcriptional alternative splicing (AS) of NUMB, APP, VEGFA and PDAC in patients.

METHODS

The expression of NUMB, APP, VEGFA from patient samples was determined by qRT-PCR. AS of these genes was examined through laser induced fluorescence capillary electrophoresis. Correlation between the AS of the genes and results from clinical laboratory examinations were analyzed. Expression of NOTHC1 and NOTCH4 as downstream target genes was examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Quantitative results indicated that expression of NUMB was significantly lower in tumor tissues (TT) than in para-tumor tissues (TP) (P<0.05), while APP (P<0.01) and VEGFA (P<0.05) were significantly higher. AS transcript percentage of NUMB PRR(S) was lower in TT than TP (P<0.05). AS transcript percentage of VEGFA (105+185) was significantly lower in TT than TP (P<0.05) compared to higher expression of VEGFA (206+338) (P<0.05). Regression analysis indicated that AS transcript of NUMB PRR(L) correlated with tumor size (P<0.01), while AS transcripts of APP and VEGFA correlated with results of laboratory examinations. To reveal the correlation between AS and its downstream targets, NOTCH1 and NOTCH4 were selected as NUMB gene targets and detected to be significantly higher in TT than TP (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Alternative splicing of APP, VEGFA and NUMB may play an important role in pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Among the 3 genes, PRR(L) form of NUMB gene is highly expressed in TT and positively correlated with tumor size, while PRR(S) is lacking in TT and negatively correlated with NOTCH expression suggesting that PRR(S) might be protective in tumorogenesis and shows NOTCH pathway down regulation ability.

The c-Myc-LDHA axis positively regulates aerobic glycolysis and promotes tumor progression in pancreatic cancer

The transcription factor c-Myc plays critical roles in cancer development and progression through regulating expression of targeted genes. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), which catalyzes the conversion of L-lactate to pyruvate in the final step of anaerobic glycolysis, is frequently upregulated in pancreatic cancer. However, little is known about the effects of c-Myc-LDHA axis in the progression of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we found that c-Myc and LDHA are concomitantly overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. c-Myc overexpression and LDHA overexpression were correlated with TNM stage and tumor size and indicated poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Knockdown of c-Myc reduced the protein expression of LDHA, lactate production and glucose consumption, and silencing of LDHA mimicked this effect. Meanwhile, reduced c-Myc-LDHA signaling resulted in decreased tumor growth and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Treatment with 2-Deoxy-D-glucose, an inhibitor of anaerobic glycolysis, completely blocked the oncogenic roles of c-Myc-LDHA signaling. Taken together, dysregulated c-Myc-LDHA signaling plays important roles in aerobic glycolysis and facilitates tumor progression of pancreatic cancer.

Importance of CD44 on umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for expansion of hematopoietic cells

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) have important functions on the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through providing the essential microenvironment for hematopoiesis. In order to test whether CD44 on hUCMSCs could have a key function for the ability of hUCMSCs to expand human HSCs, the soluble anti&mdash;CD44 antibody was added to the co&mdash;cultures of hUCMSCs and cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells, which blocked the ability of hUCMSCs to expand CB CD34+ cells significantly. Long&mdash;term culture initiating cell (LTC&mdash;IC) assay revealed that the ability of multipotent differentiation of CB CD34+ cells co&mdash;cultured with CD44 knockdown hUCMSCs could only retain lasting at most for 5 weeks in vitro. In vivo assay, based on non&mdash;obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient disease (NOD/SCID) mice, revealed that the hematopoietic reconstitution potential of CB CD34+ cells co&mdash;cultured with CD44 knockdown hUCMSCs is significantly reduced. The hematopoietic supporting ability of hUCMSCs in vivo and in vitro is reduced upon the knockdown of CD44. CD44 has important functions on the ability of hUCMSCs to expand human HSCs in the cell&mdash; extrinsic control.

Sox2 function as a negative regulator to control HAMP expression

Background

Hepcidin, encoding by HAMP gene, is the pivotal regulator of iron metabolism, controlling the systemic absorption and transportation of irons from intracellular stores. Abnormal levels of HAMP expression alter plasma iron parameters and lead to iron metabolism disorders. Therefore, it is an important goal to understand the mechanisms controlling HAMP gene expression.

Results

Overexpression of Sox2 decrease basal expression of HAMP or induced by IL-6 or BMP-2, whereas, knockdown of Sox2 can increase HAMP expression, furthermore, two potential Sox2-binding sites were identified within the human HAMP promoter. Indeed, luciferase experiments demonstrated that deletion of any Sox2-binding site impaired the negative regulation of Sox2 on HAMP promoter transcriptional activity in basal conditions. ChIP experiments showed that Sox2 could directly bind to these sites. Finally, we verified the role of Sox2 to negatively regulate HAMP expression in human primary hepatocytes.

Conclusion

We found that Sox2 as a novel factor to bind with HAMP promoter to negatively regulate HAMP expression, which may be further implicated as a therapeutic option for the amelioration of HAMP-overexpression-related diseases, including iron deficiency anemia.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40659-015-0013-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.