[Mammary myofibroblastoma: a clinicopathological analysis of fifteen cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of breast myofibroblastoma. Methods: The clinicopathological data and prognostic information of 15 patients with breast myofibroblastoma diagnosed at the Department of Pathology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China from 2014 to 2022 were collected. Their clinical characteristics, histological subtypes, immunophenotypes and molecular characteristics were analyzed. Results: There were 12 female and 3 male patients, ranging in age from 18 to 78 years, with a median and average age of 52 years. There were 6 cases in the left breast and 9 cases in the right breast, including 12 cases in outer upper quadrant, 2 cases in inner upper quadrant and 1 case in outer lower quadrant. Most of the cases showed a well-defined nodule grossly, including pushing growth under the microscope in 13 cases, being completely separated from the surrounding breast tissue in 1 case, and infiltrating growth in 1 case. Among them, 12 cases were classic subtype and composed of occasional spindle cells with varying intervals of collagen fiber bundles; eight cases had a small amount of fat; one case had focal cartilage differentiation; one case was epithelioid subtype, in which epithelioid tumor cells were scattered in single filing or small clusters; one case was schwannoma-like subtype, and the tumor cells were arranged in a significant palisade shape, resembling schwannoma, and one case was invasive leiomyoma-like subtype, in which the tumor cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm and were arranged in bundles, and infiltrating into the surrounding mammary lobules like leiomyoma. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumor cells expressed desmin (14/15) and CD34 (14/15), as well as ER (15/15) and PR (15/15). Three cases with histologic subtypes of epithelioid subtype, schwannoma-like subtype and infiltrating leiomyoma-like subtype showed RB1 negative immunohistochemistry. Then FISH was performed to detect RB1/13q14 gene deletion, and identified RB1 gene deletion in all three cases. Fifteen cases were followed up for 2-100 months, and no recurrence was noted. Conclusions: Myofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of the breast. In addition to the classic type, there are many histological variants, among which the epithelioid subtype is easily confused with invasive lobular carcinoma. The schwannoma-like subtype is similar to schwannoma, while the invasive subtype is easily misdiagnosed as fibromatosis-like or spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma. Therefore, it is important to recognize the various histological subtypes and clinicopathological features of the tumor for making correct pathological diagnosis and rational clinical treatment.

Maxillary molar root and canal morphology of Neolithic and modern Chinese

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterize Neolithic human maxillary molars from archeological remains at the Jiaojia site, Shandong, China, and compare their ultrastructural features with sex and age-matched modern locals.

DESIGN

Maxillary first (n = 86) and second (n = 80) molars in 5000-year-old individuals (n = 50) from the Jiaojia site were scanned by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Sex and age-matched control groups were assigned from oral surgical patients at Shandong University. Images were analyzed for crown size, root length, root morphology, canal inter-orifice distances, mesiobuccal canal morphology, and second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal prevalence and location. Neolithic and modern values were compared statistically using Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney test at p < .05.

RESULTS

Crown and root size were smaller, and canal inter-orifice distances were shorter in Neolithic maxillary molars than their modern counterparts. For mesiobuccal roots, Weine's Type I single canals were the most prevalent in Neolithic and modern first and second molars. MB2 canal prevalence were not significantly different (p > .05) in Neolithic (53.3%) or modern (60.5%) first molars, and Neolithic (11.3%) or modern (21.3%) second molars. But, MB2 prevalence was significantly higher for modern than ancient male first (p = .032) and second (p = .005) molars. Additionally, MB2 were located more mesially and closer to MB1 in Neolithic than modern molars.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillary molar root and canal morphology of ancient 5000-year-old remains at the Jiaojia site resemble that of local patients. A trend towards larger tooth size, and more dispersed MB2 canals over this short evolutionary period warrants additional investigation.

[Meteorological factors and related lag effects on scrub typhus in southwestern Yunnan]

Objective: To analyze the influence and related lag effects of meteorological factors on scrub typhus (ST) in southwestern Yunnan, to provide a reference for the corresponding prevention and treatment measures. Methods: Data on ST and meteorology in Yunnan province from 2007 to 2018 were collected. A distributed lag nonlinear model was conducted to study the cumulative lag effects of temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall on ST. Results: From 2007-2018, a total of 19 975 ST cases were reported in southwestern Yunnan. Weekly mean temperature, mean relative humidity, and the risk of ST all showed J-shaped curves. The cumulative risk of ST increased with mean temperature >23 ℃, mean relative humidity >80%, and cumulative rainfall between 20 and 60 mm or over 100 mm, weekly. Taking the median value as the reference, higher temperature (22.27 ℃, 23.45 ℃), relative humidity (80.14%, 84.38%) and rainfall (37.17 mm, 74.42 mm) all increased the risk of disease while lower temperature (11.22 ℃,14.83 ℃), relative humidity (53.18%,65.36%) and rainfall (0.00 mm,0.55 mm) showed opposite effects. The temperature-lag effect lasted for 10 and 16 weeks, respectively, with ST's risk the highest during the week of exposure. Humidity-lag effects usually last for 10 and 17 weeks. The lag effect of rainfall lasted for 25 weeks, while the disease's risk was the highest in the 4^th week. Conclusion: Factors as temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation showed nonlinear and lag effects on ST. High temperature, high relative humidity, and an appropriate amount of rainfalls increase the risk of ST. The authorities of public health should implement effective prevention and control measures according to meteorological conditions.

CELSR1 Promotes Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemic Injury Mainly Through the Wnt/PKC Signaling Pathway

Cadherin epidermal growth factor (EGF) laminin G (LAG) seven-pass G-type receptor 1 (CELSR1) is a member of a special subgroup of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors. Although Celsr1 has been reported to be a sensitive gene for stroke, the effect of CELSR1 in ischemic stroke is still not known. Here, we investigated the effect of CELSR1 on neuroprotection, neurogenesis and angiogenesis in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. The mRNA expression of Celsr1 was upregulated in the subventricular zone (SVZ), hippocampus and ischemic penumbra after cerebral ischemic injury. Knocking down the expression of Celsr1 in the SVZ with a lentivirus significantly reduced the proliferation of neuroblasts, the number of CD31-positive cells, motor function and rat survival and increased cell apoptosis and the infarct volume in MCAO rats. In addition, the expression of p-PKC in the SVZ and peri-infarct tissue was downregulated after ischemia/ reperfusion. Meanwhile, in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, knocking down the expression of Celsr1 significantly reduced the proliferation of neuroblasts; however, it had no influence on motor function, cell apoptosis or angiogenesis. These data indicate that CELSR1 has a neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia injury by reducing cell apoptosis in the peri-infarct cerebral cortex and promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis, mainly through the Wnt/PKC pathway.

[Clinical outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with FLAG sequential busulfan/cyclophosphamide conditioning regimen for refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with FLAG sequential busulfan/cyclophosphamide(Bu/Cy) conditioning regimen for refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. Methods: From February 2012 to June 2017, 21 patients with refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia underwent allo-HSCT with FLAG sequential Bu/Cy conditioning regimen. Transplantation-related complications and clinical outcome were retrospectively analyzed. Results: After conditioning, no hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) and grade Ⅲ hemorrhagic cystitis occurred. 76.2% (16/21) patients had fever with 4 septicemia. One patient died of septic shock before engraftment. Twenty patients achieved neutrophil engraftment with a median time of 13 days (range, 10 to 21 days). Seventeen patients achieved platelet engraftment with a median time of 18 days (range, 9 to 25 days). The cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 39.5%, and 3 patients developed grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD. Of 19 patients who survived more than 100 days after transplantation, 4 had local chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Of 21 patients, the median survival time was 15 months (range, 0.5 to 67 months) post-transplantation. Transplantation-related mortality rate was 28.7%. Leukemia relapse occurred in 4 patients with a median time of 4 months (range, 3 to 8 months) after transplantation. The cumulative relapse rate at 1 year was 21.4%. The 1-year and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 60.7% and 54.9% respectively. Log-rank analysis revealed that bone marrow blasts ≥ 20% or extramedullary leukemia before transplantation, poor platelet engraftment and grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD were significantly related to shortened OS (P<0.05). Conclusions: Allo-HSCT with FLAG sequential Bu/Cy conditioning regimen in patients with refractory/relapsed myeloid leukemia has acceptable transplantation-related risk and relapse rate. The 1-year and 3-year OS rates are comparable with those in remission patients.

Red mud (RM)-Induced enhancement of iron plaque formation reduces arsenic and metal accumulation in two wetland plant species

Human activities have resulted in arsenic (As) and heavy metals accumulation in paddy soils in China. Phytoremediation has been suggested as an effective and low-cost method to clean up contaminated soils. A combined soil-sand pot experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of red mud (RM) supply on iron plaque formation and As and heavy metal accumulation in two wetland plant species (Cyperus alternifolius Rottb., Echinodorus amazonicus Rataj), using As and heavy metals polluted paddy soil combined with three rates of RM application (0, 2%, 5%). The results showed that RM supply significantly decreased As and heavy metals accumulation in shoots of the two plants due to the decrease of As and heavy metal availability and the enhancement of the formation of iron plaque on the root surface and in the rhizosphere. Both wetland plants supplied with RM tended to have more Fe plaque, higher As and heavy metals on roots and in their rhizospheres, and were more tolerant of As and heavy metal toxicity. The results suggest that RM-induced enhancement of the formation of iron plaque on the root surface and in the rhizosphere of wetland plants may be significant for remediation of soils contaminated with As and heavy metals.

Investigation of AZF microdeletions in patients with Klinefelter syndrome

We investigated azoospermia region microdeletions in male infertility patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KFS), as well as the association between azoospermia symptoms in patients with KFS and Y chromosome microdeletion polymorphisms. A total of 111 cases with male infertility confirmed to have KFS (47, XXY) and 94 fertile men were included in this study. Peripheral blood was drawn and DNA was extracted from these samples. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to screen the partial deletions of 25 sequence-tagged sites on the Y chromosome. In 111 cases with KFS, 1 case contained the AZFb+d+c deletion. The Gr/Gr deletion was identified in 12 KFS cases and 5 control cases. In addition, the b2/b3 deletion was identified in 13 KFS cases and 6 control cases. There were no significant differences in phenotype and genotype of the 2 partial AZFc deletions between patients and controls (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that patients with KFS may also have Y chromosome microdeletions to varying degrees and that the gr/gr deletion and b2/b3 deletion may not play a role in the susceptible genetic background of azoospermia in patients with KFS in the Sichuan population.

Investigation of polymorphisms in exon7 of the NSUN7 gene among Chinese Han men with asthenospermia

Previous studies have shown that genetic polymorphisms in exon7 of the NSUN7 gene can be used as an infertility marker in Iranian men with asthenospermia. However, there have been no equivalent studies in China. In the present study, we investigated the possible association between the genetic polymorphisms in exon7 of NSUN7 and asthenospermia in a Chinese Han population. We recruited 240 asthenospermic men as a patient group and 256 normospermic men as a control group, and analyzed the semen parameters on the basis of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The genetic polymorphisms in exon7 of NSUN7 were detected by DNA sequence analysis. The results were analyzed statistically and a P value < 0.05 was considered significant. There were two genetic polymorphisms, c.906C>T and c.922T>G, in exon7 of NSUN7. We found relatively similar genotypes and allele frequencies between the two groups (P = 0.928, P = 0.928, respectively). The combined genotypes of the two polymorphisms did not identify a haplotype associated with asthenospermia (P = 0.824, P = 0.824, respectively). Our findings revealed that genetic polymorphisms in exon7 of the NSUN7 gene are not associated with asthenospermia in Chinese Han men.

Toll-like receptor 2 gene polymorphism and its relationship with SCS in dairy cattle

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays an important role in the innate immune response to a variety of pathogens. In this study, bovine TLR2 gene was taken as a candidate gene for mastitis resistance. Through PCR-SSCP analysis and sequencing, three missense mutations at T385 G, G398A, and G1884A were detected in the coding region that encoded extracellular domain. Altogether 240 dairy cattle of three breeds (Holstein, Simmental, and Sanhe cattle) were genotyped and allele frequencies were determined. The effects of TLR2 polymorphisms on somatic cell score (SCS) were analyzed and significant association was found between T385 G and SCS. The mean of genotype GG was significantly lower than those of genotype TT and TG. No significant associations were found with SCS for G398A and G1884A. Information provided in this research will be useful in further studies to determine the role of TLR2 gene in the mastitis resistance.

Determination of steroid estrogens in wastewater treatment plant of a controceptives producing factory

Steroid estrogens such as estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) have been suspected to be the main contaminants, which can affect the endocrine system of animals. Many authors have investigated these chemicals in the domestic wastewater treatment plants (WTP). However, wastewater from industries producing steroid contraceptives has not got ample attention. From the environmental point of view, the four steroids are very significant because even very low concentrations (ng/L) can cause reproductive disturbances in human, livestock and wildlife. The main purpose of the present investigation was to develop an analytical method for the determination of the four steroid estrogens present in WTP of a pharmacy factory, mainly producing contraceptive medicine in Beijing, China. Analysis was performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) system and liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The average recoveries from effluent samples ranged from 88% to 103% and the precision of the method ranged from 9% to 4%. Based on 0.5-L wastewater samples, the limit of quantification (LOQ) was determined at 0.7 ng/L for E1, 0.8 for E2, 0.9 ng/L for E3, and 0.5 ng/L for EE2 in influent, and 1.0 ng/L for E2 and EE2, and 2.0 ng/L for E1 and E3 in effluent. In the influent samples, average concentrations of 80, 85, 73 and 155 ng/L were determined for E1, E2, E3 and EE2, respectively, showing that they were removed in this WTP to the extent of 79, 73, 85 and 67%, respectively.

Estimation of genetic parameters for lactational milk yields using two-dimensional random regressions on parities and days in milk in Chinese Simmental cattle

A two-dimensional random regression model with regressions on days in milk (DIM) and parity number was applied to lactational milk yields in Chinese Simmental cattle. Random regressions were fitted for additive genetic and permanent environmental effects using a two-dimensional polynomial on DIM and parity number. A total of 4340 lactational milk yields from Chinese Simmental cattle which calved between 1980 and early 2000 were used in this study. Variance components were estimated using Bayesian methodology via Gibbs sampling. Variances of random regression coefficients associated with all terms of the polynomials were significant. A covariance function showed that heritabilities of lactational milk yields between 200 and 400 DIM over parities varied between 0.25 and 0.45. Heritabilities of 305-day milk yields from 1st to 6-8th parities were 0.28, 0.30, 0.32 0.32, 0.32, and 0.31, respectively. Ratios of permanent environment variances to total variances at each DIM were greater than corresponding heritabilities. Generally, genetic correlations were higher between lactational milk yields with similar DIM and parity number.

[Clinical and experimental observation of xilixin granule combined with radiotherapy in treating malignant-tumors]

Thirty six patients of pulmonary or nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated with Xilixin granule (XLXG) combined with radiotherapy and compared their efficacy with that of 31 patients treated by Zhenqi Fuzheng granule combined with radiotherapy for control. Results showed that the symptoms of Yin Deficiency syndrome in treated group were obviously improved, the leucocyte decreased by 5.6%, while in control group it reached 25.8%, the 3 year survival rate was significantly higher in treated group (75.0%) than that in control group (51.6%). Animal experiment revealed that XLXG had the effects of tumor inhibition, it could increase white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin of patients, especially in using large dosage. These results suggested that XLXG have some protective effect against radiotherapeutic damage in patients with malignant tumor.

Erythropoietin induces tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 in a human erythropoietin-dependent cell line

Erythropoietin (Epo) is the major regulator of the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid precursors through interaction with its receptor (Epo-R). Although Epo-R lacks a tyrosine kinase consensus sequence within its intracellular domain, the addition of its ligand to Epo-responsive cells, UT-7/Epo, induces the rapid and transient tyrosine phosphorylation of 145-, 130-, 80-, and 40-kDa cellular proteins. Tyrosine phosphorylation of these proteins occurred dose- and time-dependently. We showed that the tyrosine phosphorylated 145- kDa protein is identical to phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-gamma 1). Tyrosine phosphorylation of this protein is detectable within 30 s and almost reaches the maximum at 1 min. This can last up to 10 min and declines thereafter. Additionally, in Epo-stimulated cells, PLC-gamma 1 become physically associated with 80- and 40-kDa proteins which have been tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to Epo. The activity of PLC-gamma 1 was also investigated using inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-P3) as an indicator. We found that stimulation of UT-7/Epo cells with Epo induces a significant accumulation of Ins-P3. This effect is dose-dependent and occurs very rapidly. The production of Ins-P3 can explain the Epo-induced mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores in these cells. These results demonstrate that Epo induces tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of PLC-gamma 1 to produce Ins-P3 and then it mobilizes calcium from intracellular stores. This signal transduction pathway may play a role in regulating the proliferation of erythroid cells.

[Pathomorphologic changes on 150 chronic atrophic gastritis patients by treatment based on syndrome differentiation]

Xiang-sha Warming (XSW) and Shashen Nourishing Decoction (SSN) were used in treating Yang Deficiency Syndrome (YaDS) and Yin Deficiency Syndrome (YiDS) of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) respectively. 121 cases with Spleen YaDS, and 29 cases with Spleen YiDS were selected. 26 and 30 specimens were taken from gastric mucosa for observation under the SEM and TEM, including 12 and 12 YaDS cases, 14 and 12 Spleen Qi Deficiency cases respectively, 2 cases of YiDS were also observed with TEM. The specimens were taken from the same site of the gastric mucosa directly under the gastroscope pre- and post-treatment. 43 patients (35.6%) with spleen YaDS and 5 cases (17.2%) in Spleen YiDS showed marked effect after 3-month treatment. It showed that the effect in Spleen YaDS was better than YiDS. The XSW was superior than that of SSN. The effects were related to the syndromes and the degrees of pathologic change. This showed that the recipe could somewhat reverse and restore the abnormal glands of gastric mucosa.

[Histopathology of spleen deficiency syndrome of chronic atrophic gastritis and its ultrastructural changes]

Pathologic change of gastric mucosa in 247 CAG patients of Spleen Qi (Yang) Deficiency (QYD) and Spleen-Stomach Yin Deficiency(YD) Syndrome were observed. The surface of gastric antrum mucosa of 26 patients with scanning electron microscope as well as the gastric mucosa of 34 patients with transmission electron microscope was observed for their intracellular structure. It was found that the CSAG and CAG I of Spleen QYD amounted to 165 cases (66.8%), and CAG II and III of Spleen-Stomach YD amounted to 34 cases (64.2%). It denoted that the Spleen QYD belonged to mild case, while the Spleen-Stomach YD belonged to severe case. The mitochondria of all kinds of gastric antrum mucosa cells showed retrograded degeneration, the pathologic basis of Spleen Deficiency of CAG, those of Spleen-Stomach QD had sparse broken and swollen mitochondria (82.3%), while the 53.3% of Spleen-Stomach YD displayed vacuolation as its predominant change. The different severity of retrograde degeneration and damage of mitochondria yielded various stage in atrophy of gastric mucosa which was the basis of Syndromes evolution from Defi. to QYD and then YD. Inflammatory change of the gastric mucosa was predominant in Spleen-Stomach YD (45.3%), and far less in QYD (27.1%), P < 0.01.