Pro-cancer role of CD276 as a novel biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high incidence in males and the elderly, and clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is the most common RCC subtype. ccRCC is highly metastatic with a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanism of ccRCC and to identify suitable biomarkers to realize early diagnosis and improve prognosis.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Cancer Genome Atlas, investigated the overall differential expression of CD276 in ccRCC, and evaluated the influence of CD276 on patient survival and prognosis. We also performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and pathway enrichment analysis and investigated cell infiltration and drug responsiveness to further assess the regulatory effect of CD276 on ccRCC. Furthermore, we verified CD276 expression in RCC cell lines and control cell lines.

RESULTS

The CD276 expression level in ccRCC samples was higher than that in corresponding samples adjacent to the tumors. Moreover, high CD276 expression levels were positively correlated with poor prognosis in patients with RCC. GSEA revealed that CD276 was significantly involved in immune-related pathways, and the level of CD276 expression was confirmed as associated with immune cell infiltration to some extent. Notably, some drugs were predicted to act on CD276, and this was confirmed by molecular docking. Furthermore, high levels of CD276 expression in RCC cell lines were verified.

CONCLUSION

CD276 expression was significantly increased in ccRCC tissues and cells and positively correlated with patient prognosis. CD276 is a potential prognostic biomarker of ccRCC. Overall, this study provides a potential therapeutic strategy for ccRCC.

A multi-modal vision-language pipeline strategy for contour quality assurance and adaptive optimization

Objective.Accurate delineation of organs-at-risk (OARs) is a critical step in radiotherapy. The deep learning generated segmentations usually need to be reviewed and corrected by oncologists manually, which is time-consuming and operator-dependent. Therefore, an automated quality assurance (QA) and adaptive optimization correction strategy was proposed to identify and optimize 'incorrect' auto-segmentations.Approach.A total of 586 CT images and labels from nine institutions were used. The OARs included the brainstem, parotid, and mandible. The deep learning generated contours were compared with the manual ground truth delineations. In this study, we proposed a novel contour quality assurance and adaptive optimization (CQA-AO) strategy, which consists of the following three main components: (1) the contour QA module classified the deep learning generated contours as either accepted or unaccepted; (2) the unacceptable contour categories analysis module provided the potential error reasons (five unacceptable category) and locations (attention heatmaps); (3) the adaptive correction of unacceptable contours module integrate vision-language representations and utilize convex optimization algorithms to achieve adaptive correction of 'incorrect' contours.Main results. In the contour QA tasks, the sensitivity (accuracy, precision) of CQA-AO strategy reached 0.940 (0.945, 0.948), 0.962 (0.937, 0.913), and 0.967 (0.962, 0.957) for brainstem, parotid and mandible, respectively. The unacceptable contour category analysis, the(FI,AccI,Fmicro,Fmacro)of CQA-AO strategy reached (0.901, 0.763, 0.862, 0.822), (0.855, 0.737, 0.837, 0.784), and (0.907, 0.762, 0.858, 0.821) for brainstem, parotid and mandible, respectively. After adaptive optimization correction, the DSC values of brainstem, parotid and mandible have been improved by 9.4%, 25.9%, and 13.5%, and Hausdorff distance values decreased by 62%, 70.6%, and 81.6%, respectively.Significance. The proposed CQA-AO strategy, which combines QA of contour and adaptive optimization correction for OARs contouring, demonstrated superior performance compare to conventional methods. This method can be implemented in the clinical contouring procedures and improve the efficiency of delineating and reviewing workflow.

A Self-Healing Optoacoustic Patch with High Damage Threshold and Conversion Efficiency for Biomedical Applications

Compared with traditional piezoelectric ultrasonic devices, optoacoustic devices have unique advantages such as a simple preparation process, anti-electromagnetic interference, and wireless long-distance power supply. However, current optoacoustic devices remain limited due to a low damage threshold and energy conversion efficiency, which seriously hinder their widespread applications. In this study, using a self-healing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Fe-Hpdca-PDMS) and carbon nanotube composite, a flexible optoacoustic patch is developed, which possesses the self-healing capability at room temperature, and can even recover from damage induced by cutting or laser irradiation. Moreover, this patch can generate high-intensity ultrasound (> 25 MPa) without the focusing structure. The laser damage threshold is greater than 183.44 mJ cm-2, and the optoacoustic energy conversion efficiency reaches a major achievement at 10.66 × 10-3, compared with other carbon-based nanomaterials and PDMS composites. This patch is also been successfully examined in the application of acoustic flow, thrombolysis, and wireless energy harvesting. All findings in this study provides new insight into designing and fabricating of novel ultrasound devices for biomedical applications.

WITHDRAWN: Design and prediction of laser-induced damage threshold of CNT-PDMS optoacoustic transducer

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Biomechanics of the unilateral posterosuperior, unipedicular, and bipedicular approaches for treatment by percutaneous vertebroplasty: a comparative study

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) via the unilateral posterosuperior approach has achieved good clinical results for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. This study compared the biomechanical performance of a single vertebral body after PVP by the unilateral posterosuperior, unipedicular, and bipedicular approaches. Twenty-one vertebral bodies from the osteoporotic spine segments (T11-L1) of seven older female cadavers were randomly assigned to the unipedicular (group A), bipedicular (group B), or unilateral posterosuperior approach group (group C). After constructing the fracture compression model, PVP was performed by the different approaches. CT scans showed symmetrical, evenly distributed bone cement in groups B and C and unilaterally distributed cement in group A. The recovery rates of the anterior vertebral body height in groups B and C were significantly higher than those in group A after PVP (P<0.05). The left curvature elastic moduli after PVP were significantly higher in group A than in groups B and C; however, the right curvature moduli in group A were lower than in the other groups (P<0.05). The flexion, extension, and vertical compression elastic moduli were lowest in group B (P<0.05). After PVP, failure strength and stiffness in groups B and C were comparable (P>0.05) and higher than those in group A (P<0.05). PVP through the unilateral posterosuperior approach was superior to the unipedicular approach and comparable to the bipedicular approach based on the biomechanical performance of a single vertebral body. Due to its safety, simplicity, and efficacy, the unilateral posterosuperior approach is recommended for clinical application.

Piezoelectric ultrasound energy-harvesting device for deep brain stimulation and analgesia applications

Supplying wireless power is a challenging technical problem of great importance for implantable biomedical devices. Here, we introduce a novel implantable piezoelectric ultrasound energy-harvesting device based on Sm-doped Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-PbTiO₃ (Sm-PMN-PT) single crystal. The output power density of this device can reach up to 1.1 W/cm² in vitro, which is 18 times higher than the previous record (60 mW/cm²). After being implanted in the rat brain, under 1-MHz ultrasound with a safe intensity of 212 mW/cm², the as-developed device can produce an instantaneous effective output power of 280 μW, which can immediately activate the periaqueductal gray brain area. The rat electrophysiological experiments under anesthesia and behavioral experiments demonstrate that our wireless-powered device is well qualified for deep brain stimulation and analgesia applications. These encouraging results provide new insights into the development of implantable devices in the future.

Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of Periaqueductal Gray for Analgesia

OBJECTIVE

Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is regarded as a promising non-invasive stimulation tool for modulating brain circuits. The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of tFUS stimulation for analgesia application.

METHODS

50 l of 3% formalin solution was injected into the rats left hindpaw to build a pain model, and then the local field potential (LFP) activities of the dorsal horn were tracked after a recording electrode was placed in the spinal cord. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group and tFUS group. At the 30th minute after formalin injection, tFUS (US-650 kHz, PD = 1 ms, PRF = 100 Hz, 691 mW/cm2) was conducted to stimulate the periaqueductal gray (PAG) for 5 minutes (on 5 s and off 5 s) in tFUS group, but there was no treatment in control group. In addition, the analgesia mechanism (LFP recording from the PAG) and safety assessment (histology analysis) were carried out.

RESULTS

The tFUS stimulation of the PAG can suppress effectively the nociceptive activity generated by formalin. The findings of the underlying mechanism exploration indicated that the tFUS stimulation was able to activate the PAG directly without causing significant temperature change and tissue injury.

CONCLUSION

The results illustrated that the tFUS stimulation of the PAG can achieve the effect of analgesia.

SIGNIFICANCE

This work provides new insights for the development of non-invasive analgesic technology in the future.

Association between IL8RB C1208T mutation and risk of cancer: A pooled analysis based on 5299 cases and 6899 controls

INTRODUCTION

The CXC chemokines are unique cytokines that play a vital role in the progression of many cancers. Association between chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (IL8RB) C1208T mutation and cancer risk remains incomprehensive.

METHODS

We therefore utilized odds ratios and in silico analysis to explore the relationship of IL8RB polymorphism on risk to cancer. Furthermore, we adopted gene set enrichment analysis to investigate the IL8RB expression in prostate adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

A total of 14 case-control studies combined with 5299 cases and 6899 controls were included in our analysis. We revealed that individuals carrying TT genotype had an 14% increased cancer risk compared with those with TC + colon cancer (CC) genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.05-1.25, P = .003, I2 = 35.6). Stratification analysis by race showed that East Asians with TT + TC genotype may have a 25% decreased cancer risk compared with control. Stratification analysis by cancer type revealed that individuals with TT genotype were associated with elevated risk of urinary cancer than control. The expression of IL8RB was attenuated in prostate adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

IL8RB C1208T may be correlated with the risk of cancer, especially prostate adenocarcinoma.

Anatomical Evaluation of Spinal Nerve and Cervical Intervertebral Foramina in Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion Surgery: A Cadaveric and Radiologic Study

Objective

To achieve the anatomical evaluation of spinal nerve and cervical intervertebral foramina in anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) surgery, a novel surgical technique with the wider decompression, through a cadaveric and radiologic study.

Methods

Radiographic data of consecutive 47 patients (21 by ACAF and 26 by anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion [ACCF]) who have accepted surgery for treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL) and stenosis from March 2017 to March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and compared between an ACAF group and ACCF group. Three postoperative radiographic parameters were evaluated: the decompression width and the satisfaction rate of decompression at the entrance zone of intervertebral foramina on computed tomography (CT), and the transverse diameter of spinal cord in the decompression levels on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the anatomic study, three fresh cadaveric spines (death within 3 months) undergoing ACAF surgery were also studied. Four anatomic parameters were evaluated: the width of groove, the distance between the bilateral origins of ventral rootlets, the length of ventral rootlet from their origin to the intervertebral foramina, the descending angle of ventral rootlet.

Results

The groove created in ACAF surgery included the bilateral origins of ventral rootlets. The rootlets tended to be vertical from the rostral to the caudal direction as their takeoff points from the central thecal sac became higher and farther away from their corresponding intervertebral foramina gradually. No differences were identified between left and right in terms of the length of ventral rootlet from the origin to the intervertebral foramina and the descending angle of ventral rootlet. The decompression width was significantly greater in ACAF group (19.2 ± 1.2 vs 14.7 ± 1.2, 21.3 ± 2.2 vs 15.4 ± 0.9, 21.5 ± 2.1 vs 15.7 ± 1.0, 21.9 ± 1.6 vs 15.9 ± 0.8, from C₃ to C₆). The satisfactory rate of decompression at the entrance zone of intervertebral foramina tended to be better in the left side in ACAF group (significant differences were identified in the left side at C_3/4, C_4/5, C_6/7 level, and in the right side at C_4/5 level when compared with ACCF). And decompression width was significantly greater than the transverse diameter of spinal cord in ACAF group. Comparatively, there existed no significant difference in the ACCF group besides the C₅ level.

Conclusion

ACAF can decompress the entrance zone of intervertebral foramina effectively and its decompression width includes the origins and massive running part of bilateral ventral rootlets. Due to its wider decompression range, ACAF can be used as a revision strategy for the patients with failed ACCF.

Design and Fabrication of a Novel Dual-Frequency Confocal Ultrasound Transducer for Microvessels Super-Harmonic Imaging

Recently, super-harmonic ultrasound imaging technology has caused much attention due to its capability of distinguishing microvessels from the tissues surrounding them. However, the fabrication of a dual-frequency confocal transducer is still a challenge. In this work, 270- [Formula: see text] PMN-PT single crystal 1-3 composite and 28- [Formula: see text] PVDF thick film, acting as transmission layer and receiving layer, respectively, are integrated in a novel co-focusing structure. To realize delicate wave propagation control, microwave transmission line theory is introduced to design such structure. Two acoustic filter layers, 13- [Formula: see text] copper layer and 39- [Formula: see text] Epoxy 301 layer, are indispensable and should be added between two piezoelectric layers. Therefore, an acoustic issue can be overcome via an electrical method and the successful achievement of a dual-frequency (5 MHz/30 MHz) ultrasound transducer with a confocal distance of 8 mm can be realized. The super-harmonic ultrasound imaging experiment is conducted using this kind of device. The 3-D image of 110- [Formula: see text]-diameter phantom tube injected with microbubbles can be obtained. These promising results demonstrate that this novel dual-frequency (5 MHz/30 MHz) confocal ultrasound transducer is potentially usable for microvascular medical imaging application in the future.

MicroRNA-155-5p inhibits the invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells by targeting SPOCK1

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of microRNA (miR)-155-5p on the expression of testican-1 (SPOCK1) and the invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis and molecular biology assays revealed that SPOCK1 may be a direct target gene of miR-155-5p. In addition, a negative correlation was identified between SPCOK1 and miR-155-5p expression in prostate tumor tissues and cell lines. miR-155-5p mimic transfection inhibited SPOCK1 expression in PC3 cells and decreased cell migration and invasion abilities, while the expression of vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, β-catenin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 and MMP9 was upregulated. In summary, SPOCK1 was found to be a target gene of miR155-5p in prostate cancer, and miR-155-5p acts as a tumor-suppressor gene and may inhibit SPOCK1-mediated prostate cancer progression.

Clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in assessment of T stage of rectal cancer before operation

BACKGROUND

Accurate determination of T-stage status of colorectal cancer is of great value in guiding clinical treatment. Ultrasound plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) can dynamically reflect the microcirculation perfusion state of colorectal cancer, show its infiltration range, improve the detection accuracy of lesion boundary, and help to accurately determine the T-stage state of colorectal cancer.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical value of CEUS in assessing T stage of rectal cancer.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients with rectal cancer were selected as study subjects. All patients underwent transrectal conventional ultrasound and CEUS before operation. The contrast-enhanced features and T stage results of the lesions were observed and recorded. The results were compared with the postoperative pathological results.

RESULTS

The total diagnostic coincidence rate of CEUS with postoperative pathological diagnosis was 92.42% (61/66), which was significantly higher than that (72.73%, 48/66) of conventional ultrasound (P < 0.05). The diagnostic coincidence rates of CEUS with postoperative pathological diagnosis for T2 and T3 were significantly higher than those of conventional ultrasound (P < 0.05), although there was no significant difference for T1 and T4 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CEUS can reflect the microcirculation perfusion state of rectal cancer in real time, clearly show the infiltration range of the lesions, and thus accurately evaluate the T stage of rectal cancer before operation.

Quantitative assessment of microcirculation perfusion state of rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant treatment by contrast-enhanced ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant treatment is helpful to improve the postoperative curative effect, reduce the recurrence rate, and improve the life quality of patients with rectal cancer. It is of great significance to evaluate the curative effect accurately. As a new ultrasound technology, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can display the microcirculation state of target tissue in real time, thus providing reliable hemodynamic information for clinical evaluation.

AIM

To evaluate the changes of microcirculation perfusion state of rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant treatment by CEUS, and its correlation with microvessel density (MVD).

METHODS

One hundred and six patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant treatment were selected at our hospital. All patients underwent CEUS before and after treatment. The parameters of microcirculation perfusion were measured by CEUS, and compared with MVD of the samples after the operation.

RESULTS

The maximum diameter of the lesion after treatment was significantly reduced than that before treatment (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) and the peak intensity (PI) of the lesion after treatment were significantly decreased than those before treatment (P < 0.05). The PI and AUC after treatment were positively correlated with MVD (r = 0.82, P < 0.05; r = 0.79, P < 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSION

CEUS can objectively reflect the microcirculation perfusion state of rectal cancer patients, and its perfusion parameters have a good correlation with MVD, which can provide hemodynamic information for clinical evaluation of neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer.

Problems and challenges: development of blood transfusion services in Mainland China within the context of health-care system reform

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the development of blood transfusion services in Mainland China within the context of health-care system reform.

BACKGROUND

China launched a health-care reform program in 2009 to redistribute health-care resources, which are currently over-concentrated in well-developed cities. A geographically equitable blood transfusion service is key to achieving this goal.

METHODS

Based on the national survey of blood establishments in July 2015, total blood collection, whole-blood donations per 1000 population and the supply and demand relationship were analysed at the administrative region level. Areas at different developmental levels were compared in terms of total blood collection and human resources.

RESULTS

In 2014, Mainland China's 31 provinces showed wide variation, with total blood collection in blood facilities ranging from about 1000 units to over 600 000 units (each 200 mL), and the whole-blood donation rate per 1000 population, ranging from 1·48 to 17·09. 69% of the country's total collection, was concentrated in 29 provincial capitals, and 31% was in 311 non-capital cities. Of 97 personnel with doctorates, 74 worked in 32 provincial blood establishments, whereas the remaining 23 worked at the other 318 blood stations. In most provinces, per permanent resident donation was within 2-4 mL, and blood volume per inpatient was 10-35 mL regardless of the development of the transfusion service.

CONCLUSION

In 2014, China had an imbalanced development and insufficient access to blood transfusion services. This service must be redeployed at the national level to facilitate health-care reform in China.

Transferred PMN-PT Thick Film on Conductive Silver Epoxy

Approximately 25 μm Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–PbTiO₃ (PMN-PT) thick film was synthesized based on a sol-gel/composite route. The obtained PMN-PT thick film was successfully transferred from the Silicon substrate to the conductive silver epoxy using a novel wet chemical method. The mechanism of this damage free transfer was explored and analyzed. Compared with the film on Silicon substrate, the transferred one exhibited superior dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. These promising results indicate that transferred PMN-PT thick film possesses the capability for piezoelectric device application, especially for ultrasound transducer fabrication. Most importantly, this chemical route opens a new path for transfer of thick film.

Magnetic skyrmions without the skyrmion Hall effect in a magnetic nanotrack with perpendicular anisotropy

Magnetic skyrmions have potential applications in novel information devices with excellent energy efficiency. However, the skyrmion Hall effect (SkHE) could cause skyrmions moving in a nanotrack to get annihilated at the track edge. In this work, we discovered that the SkHE is depressed by modifying the magnetic structure at the edge of a track, and thus the skyrmion can move in almost a straight line at a high speed. Unlike the inner part of a track with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, the edge layer exhibits in-plane magnetic anisotropy, and the orientation of edge moments is opposite that at the perimeter of skyrmions nearby. As a result, an enhanced repulsive force acts on the skyrmion to oppose the Magnus force that causes the SkHE. Additionally, the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) constant of the edge layer also matters. When there is no DMI at the edge layer, the transverse displacement of the skyrmion can be depressed effectively when the width of the edge layer is sufficiently large. However, when the inner part and the edge share the same DMI constant, non-monotonically varied transverse displacement occurs because of the Néel-wall-like structure at the edge layer.

Haploidentical transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome: registry-based comparison with identical sibling transplant

Encouraging results from a small sample of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) undergoing haploidentical donor (HID) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) must be extended. Furthermore, an algorithm derived from a comparison of the outcomes of HID and identical-sibling donor (ISD) HSCT must be established. Therefore, the outcomes of 454 MDS patients who underwent HSCT from HIDs (n=226) or ISDs (n=228) between 2003 and 2013 that were reported to the Chinese Bone Marrow Transplantation Registry were analyzed. Among the 3/6 HID (n=136), 4-5/6 HID (n=90) and ISD patient groups, the 4-year adjusted cumulative incidences of non-relapse mortality were 34, 29 and 16%, respectively (overall P=0.004), and of relapse were 6, 7 and 10%, respectively (overall P=0.36). The 4-year adjusted probabilities of overall survival were 58, 63 and 73%, respectively (overall P=0.07), and of relapse-free-survival were 58, 63 and 71%, respectively (overall P=0.14); pairwise comparison showed that the difference was only statistically significant in the 3/6 HID vs ISD pair. The data suggest that ISDs remain the best donor source for MDS patients while HIDs (perhaps 4-5/6 HID in particular) could be a valid alternative when an ISD is not available; human leukocyte antigen disparity had no effect on survival among the HID patients.

Evaluation of reported prostate cancer risk-associated SNPs from genome-wide association studies of various racial populations in Chinese men

BACKGROUND

Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of prostate cancer (PCa) have identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are significantly associated with PCa risk in various racial groups. The objective of this study is to evaluate which of these SNPs are associated with PCa risk in Chinese men and estimate their strength of association.

METHODS

All SNPs that were reported to be associated with PCa risk in GWAS from populations of European, African American, Japanese, and Chinese descent were evaluated in 1,922 PCa cases and 2,175 controls selected from the Chinese Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ChinaPCa). A logistic regression analysis was used to estimate allelic odds ratios (ORs) of these SNPs for PCa.

RESULTS

Among the 53 SNPs, 50 were polymorphic in the Chinese population. Of which, 10 and 24 SNPs were significantly associated with PCa risk in Chinese men at P < 0.001 and <0.05, respectively. These 24 significant SNPs included 17, 5, and 2 SNPs that were originally discovered in European, Japanese, and Chinese descent, respectively. The estimated ORs ranged from 1.10 to 1.49 and the direction of association was consistent with previous studies. When ORs were estimated separately for PCa with Gleason score ≤7 and ≥8, a marginally significant difference in ORs was found only for two of the 24 SNPs (P = 0.02 and 0.04).

CONCLUSION

About half of PCa risk-associated SNPs identified in GWAS of various populations are associated with PCa risk in Chinese men. Information on PCa risk-associated SNPs and their ORs may facilitate risk assessment of PCa risk in Chinese men.

A novel germline mutation in HOXB13 is associated with prostate cancer risk in Chinese men

BACKGROUND

A rare mutation G84E in HOXB13 was recently identified to be associated with prostate cancer (PCa) in Caucasians. The goal of this study is to test association between HOXB13 genetic variants and PCa risk in Chinese men.

METHODS

All study subjects were part of the Chinese Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ChinaPCa). In the first stage, we screened for mutations by sequencing the HOXB13 coding region in 96 unrelated PCa patients. In stage 2, G84E and novel mutations found in stage 1 were genotyped in 671 PCa patients and 1,536 controls. In stage 3, mutation status in 751 additional PCa patients was imputed via haplotype.

RESULTS

The G84E mutation was not detected in this study. However, a novel mutation, G135E, was identified among 96 patients in stage 1. It was also observed twice in 575 additional PCa patients but not in 1,536 control subjects of stage 2. The frequency of G135E was significantly different between cases and controls, with a P-value of 0.027, based on Fisher's exact test. Haplotype estimation showed that G135E mutation carriers shared a unique haplotype that was not observed in other subjects. In stage 3, two more PCa patients were predicted to carry the G135E mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a novel rare mutation in the HOXB13 gene, G135E, which appears to be a founder mutation. This mutation is associated with increased PCa risk in Chinese men. Consistent with a previous report, our findings provide further evidence that rare mutations in HOXB13 contribute to PCa risk.

[A biomechanical study of anterior screw fixation for type II odontoid fracture with anteroinferior-posterosuperior fracture line]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biomechanical effect of anterior screw fixation on the type II fractured odontoid process.

METHODS

Twenty fresh human C1-C2 vertebrae specimens were harvested and randomly divided into three groups. The angle of type II fracture line was 0 degree in group I (n=6), 17 degrees in group II (n=8) and 25 degrees in group III (n=6). The fractures were treated by anterior screw fixation. Insertion torque,maximal axial pullout force and stiffness of the bone-screw were tested.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference of screw insertion torque and the pull-out strength between each group. The displacement of the odontoid fragment had an association to the angle of the fracture line,the displacement of the small angle was significantly higher than that of the large one (P < 0.5). No significant difference of structure stiffness of the bone-screw was found between each group.

CONCLUSION

Anterior screw fixation is feasible for type II odontoid fracture with certain fracture line extends from anteroinferior to posterosuperior.