Rayleigh wave propagation in centrosymmetric materials with micro-stiffness, flexoelectric and micro-inertia effects

A theoretical investigation of Rayleigh waves propagation in polarized media has been carried out using a reformulated flexoelectric theory for isotropic dielectrics with micro-inertia effect. Within this non-classical theory, the internal energy density is the functional of the strain tensor, dilatation gradient, deviatoric part of stretch gradient and rotation gradient tensors, polarization vector, and polarization gradient. The obtained system of governing equations additionally contains three material length-scale parameters to account the micro-stiffness effect, one material constant to capture the micro-inertia effect, two flexoelectric constants to describe the flexoelectric effect and three length scale parameters related to the polarization gradient. To solve the coupled governing equations, the method of Lamé-type potentials for mechanical displacement and electric polarization vectors is used. The influences of various factors such as micro-stiffness, flexoelectricity, electric quadrupoles and micro-inertia effects on the phase velocity of the Rayleigh waves in a homogeneous isotropic half-space are studied. It is found that above effects become significant with the increase of the wavenumber. This study can be important for the investigation of high frequency surface acoustic waves in dielectric materials.

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in rectal cancer patients with ypT0-2N0 after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

Background

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has emerged as the established treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Nevertheless, there remains a debate regarding the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who exhibit a favorable tumor response (ypT0-2N0) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the oncological prognosis of rectal cancer patients who have a good response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Articles were searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcomes assessed were 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, recurrence-free survival, local recurrence, and distant metastasis. The data was summarized using a random effects model.

Results

A meta-analysis was conducted using 18 retrospective studies published between 2009 and 2023. The studies included 9 from China and 5 from Korea, involving a total of 6566 patients with ypT0-2N0 rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The pooled data revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved 5-year overall survival (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.15-2.65, P=0.008), recurrence-free survival (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.20-2.48, P=0.003), and reduced distant metastasis (OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.92, P=0.011). However, adjuvant chemotherapy did not have a significant effect on disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and local recurrence in ypT0-2N0 rectal cancer. Subgroup analysis indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy was beneficial in improving overall survival for ypT1-2N0 rectal cancer (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.13-3.19, P=0.003).

Conclusion

The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy may provide benefits in terms of oncological outcomes for rectal cancer patients with ypT0-2N0 after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and radical surgery. However, further prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on the oncological outcome of rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced rectal cancer is typically treated using a combination of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal resection. While achieving pathological complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been recognized as a positive prognostic factor in oncology, the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response after surgery remains uncertain. The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the oncological outcomes of rectal cancer patients who attain pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

This meta-analysis followed the guidelines outlined in the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). The Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify relevant literature.

RESULTS

A total of 34 retrospective studies, including 9 studies from the NCBD database, involving 31,558 patients with pathological complete response rectal cancer, were included in the meta-analysis. The included studies were published between 2008 and 2023. The pooled analysis demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival (HR = 0.803, 95% CI 0.678-0.952, P = 0.011), and no heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 0%). Locally advanced rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy exhibited a higher 5-year overall survival rate compared to those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 1.605, 95% CI 1.183-2.177, P = 0.002). However, the analysis also revealed that postoperative ACT did not lead to improvements in disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival within the same patient population. Subgroup analysis indicated that pathological complete response patients with clinical stage T3/T4, lymph node positivity, and younger than 70 years of age may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy has a beneficial effect on improving overall survival among rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response. However, no such association was observed in terms of disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival.

CircGPRC5A enhances colorectal cancer progress by stabilizing PPP1CA and inducing YAP dephosphorylation

BACKGROUND

With the advancements in bioinformatic technology, an increasing number of circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered and their crucial roles in the development and progression of various malignancies have been confirmed through multiple pathways. However, the specific mechanisms involving protein-binding circRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unexplored.

METHODS

Differential circRNA expression was assessed using a human circRNA microarray in five CRC tissue and paired normal samples. CircGPRC5A expression was then confirmed in the CRC tissues and paired normal samples using qRT-PCR. The biological function of circGPRC5A in CRC were studied in vitro and in vivo. Western blotting, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation, quantitative phosphoproteomics, and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assays were used to study circGPRC5A.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that circGPRC5A expression was higher in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues and was associated with tumor size, tumor stage and lymph node status. CircGPRC5A promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. CircGPRC5A could stabilize PPP1CA protein by inhibiting the binding between UBA1 and PPP1CA, and increasing YAP dephosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that circGPRC5A plays an essential function in CRC progression by stabilizing PPP1CA protein and enhancing YAP dephosphorylation. CircGPRC5A could act as a novel and potential target for CRC.

Cancer-associated fibroblast-related prognostic signature predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in pancreatic adenocarcinoma based on single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) influence many aspects of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) carcinogenesis, including tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. A six-gene prognostic signature was constructed for PAAD based on the 189 CAF marker genes identified in single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk score was independently prognostic for survival in the TCGA (P < 0.001) and ICGC (P = 0.004) cohorts. Tumor infiltration of CD8 T (P = 0.005) cells and naïve B cells (P = 0.001) was greater in the low-risk than in the high-risk group, with infiltration of these cells negatively correlated with risk score. Moreover, the TMB score was lower in the low-risk than in the high-risk group (P = 0.0051). Importantly, patients in low-risk group had better immunotherapy responses than in the high-risk group in an independent immunotherapy cohort (IMvigor210) (P = 0.039). The CAV1 and SOD3 were highly expressed in CAFs of PAAD tissues, which revealed by immunohistochemical staining. In summary, this comprehensive analysis resulted in the development of a novel prognostic signature, which was associated with immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and TMB, and could predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients with PAAD.

LncRNA HOXB-AS4 promotes proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer via the miR-140-5p/hdac7 axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have a critical role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. However, the role of the lncRNA HOXB-AS4 in CRC remains unclear. In this study, we found that HOXB-AS4 was markedly upregulated in tumor tissues compared to precancerous tissues. Loss-of-function assays in HT29 and SW480 cells confirmed that knockdown of HOXB-AS4 inhibited proliferation, migration, and promoted apoptosis. In addition, HOXB-AS4 was shown to regulate histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) expression by acting as a molecular sponge to bind to and adsorb miR-140-5p. These findings were confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Functional recovery experiments further demonstrated the crucial role of the HOXB-AS4/miR-140-5p/HDAC7 axis in modulating the malignant phenotype of CRC cells. Collectively, our data suggested that HOXB-AS4 regulated the malignant tumor aggression of HT29 and SW480 cells through the miR-140-5p/HDAC7 axis and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanism of action of HOXB-AS4 in CRC and highlights its potential use as a targeted therapy.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with arterial chemoembolization on short-term clinical outcome of locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore the short-term efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with arterial chemoembolization for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 203 patients with LAGC who received neoadjuvant therapy from June 2019 to December 2021. The patients were divided into a neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with arterial chemoembolization group (combined group, n = 102) and a neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (conventional group, n = 101). The adverse events of chemotherapy, postoperative complications and pathological complete response (pCR) rate were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the potential factors affecting pCR.

RESULTS

A total of 78.8% of the patients were in clinical stage III before neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 52.2% of the patients underwent surgery after receiving two cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. There were 21.2% patients with ≥ grade 3 (CTCAE 4.0) adverse events of chemotherapy and 11.3% patients with Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ grade 3 postoperative complications. Compared with the conventional group, the combination group did not experience an increase in the adverse events of chemotherapy or postoperative complications. The pCR rate in the combined group was significantly higher than that in the conventional group (16.7% vs. 4.95%, P = 0.012). The multivariate analysis showed that arterial chemoembolization, pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and pre-treatment platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent factors affecting pCR.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with arterial chemoembolization contributed to improving the pCR rate of LAGC patients. Arterial chemoembolization, pre-treatment NLR and pre-treatment PLR were also predictors of pCR.

[Associations between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and all-cause mortality in adults living in north China]

Objective: To investigate the associations between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (24hUNaE) and all-cause mortality in adult Northern Chinese population. Methods: Data from this study were derived from the prospective urban and rural epidemiology (PURE) study in north China. Baseline information of all participants were obtained by face to face interview through trained research staffs based on questionnaires, and morning fasting urine samples of participants were collected to estimate 24hUNaE and 24-hour potassium excretion (24hUKE). Multivariable frailty Cox regression models were used to explore the association between 24hUNaE (<3.00, 3.00-3.99, 4.00-4.99, 5.00-5.99 and ≥6 g/d) and all-cause death. Results: A total of 27 310 participants were included in this study. The mean 24hUNaE was (5.84±1.73) g/d. After a median follow-up of 8.8 years, 1 024 participants died (3.7%), including 390 cardiovascular related deaths and 591 non-cardiovascular related deaths. The cause of death of the remaining patients could not be determined. Using 24hUNaE level of 4.00-4.99 g/d as the reference group, after fully adjustment, 24hUNaE ≥6.00 g/d was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (HR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.02-1.49) and cardiovascular related death (HR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.02-1.88). 24hUNaE<3.00 g/d was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.38, 95%CI: 0.96-1.99). There was no significant association between 24hUNaE and non-cardiovascular related death. Furthermore, using the combination of 24hUNaE 4.00-4.99 g/d and 24hUKE≥2.11 g/d as the reference group, the highest risk occurred in participants with the combination of low sodium (<3.00 g/d) and low potassium (<2.11 g/d). Conclusion: 24hUNaE equal or higher than 6 g/d or lower than 3 g/d is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular related death in Northern Chinese population. Besides, moderate sodium intake in combination with increased potassium intake might reduce the risk of all-cause death.

Promotive role of USP29-mediated deubiquitination in malignant proliferation of colorectal cancer cells via the KIAA1429/SOX8 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is regarded as one of the most prevalent neoplasms worldwide, and ubiquitination and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulate the outgrowth of multiple cancers. This study attempted to explore the effect of ubiquitin-specific peptidases 29 (USP29) on the malignant proliferation of CRC cells via stabilizing Vir-like m6A methyltransferase associated (VIRMA/KIAA1429). First, upregulations of USP29, KIAA1429, and SRY-box transcription factor 8 (SOX8) were found in CRC tissues and cells through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. After transfection of si-USP29, the proliferation of CRC cells was evaluated by the cell counting kit-8, colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assays, and we observed that depletion of USP29 inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed the binding of USP29 to KIAA1429. Mechanically, USP29 mediated deubiquitination to stabilize the protein levels of KIAA1429, and KIAA1429 promoted the stability of SOX8 mRNA through m6A modification. Moreover, overexpression of KIAA1429 or SOX8 reversed the inhibitory effects of USP29 depletion on CRC cell proliferation. Finally, the xenograft tumor model revealed the promotive role of USP29 in the proliferation of CRC cells in vivo. Altogether, USP29 facilitates the malignant proliferation of CRC cells via upregulating the KIAA1429/SOX8 axis.

Long noncoding RNA LINC01606 protects colon cancer cells from ferroptotic cell death and promotes stemness by SCD1-Wnt/β-catenin-TFE3 feedback loop signalling

Background

Ferroptosis is principally caused by iron catalytic activity and intracellular lipid peroxidation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. However, the potential interplay between lncRNA LINC01606 and ferroptosis in colon cancer remains elusive.

Methods

The expression level of LNC01606 in colon cancer tissue was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The functional role of LNC01606 was investigated by gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays both in vitro and in vivo. The LINC01606‐SCD1‐Wnt/β‐catenin‐TFE3 axis were screened and validated by DNA/RNA pull down, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter.

Results

The expression of lncRNA LINC01606 was frequently upregulated in human colon cancer and strongly associated with a poor prognosis. LINC01606 functioned as an oncogene and promotes colon cancer cell growth, invasion and stemness both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, LINC01606 protected colon cancer cells from ferroptosis by decreasing the concentration of iron, lipid reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial superoxide and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential. Mechanistically, LINC01606 enhanced the expression of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), serving as a competing endogenous RNA to modulate miR‐423‐5p expression, subsequently activating the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, and transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3 (TFE3) increased LINC01606 transcription after recruitment to the promoter regions of LINC01606. Furthermore, we confirmed that upregulated LINC01606 and Wnt/β‐catenin formed a positive feedback regulatory loop, further inhibiting ferroptosis and enhancing stemness.

Conclusions

LINC01606 functions as an oncogene to facilitate tumor cell stemness, proliferation and inhibit ferroptosis and is a promising therapeutic target for colon cancer.

Single-nuclei transcriptomes from human adrenal gland reveal distinct cellular identities of low and high-risk neuroblastoma tumors

Childhood neuroblastoma has a remarkable variability in outcome. Age at diagnosis is one of the most important prognostic factors, with children less than 1 year old having favorable outcomes. Here we study single-cell and single-nuclei transcriptomes of neuroblastoma with different clinical risk groups and stages, including healthy adrenal gland. We compare tumor cell populations with embryonic mouse sympatho-adrenal derivatives, and post-natal human adrenal gland. We provide evidence that low and high-risk neuroblastoma have different cell identities, representing two disease entities. Low-risk neuroblastoma presents a transcriptome that resembles sympatho- and chromaffin cells, whereas malignant cells enriched in high-risk neuroblastoma resembles a subtype of TRKB+ cholinergic progenitor population identified in human post-natal gland. Analyses of these populations reveal different gene expression programs for worst and better survival in correlation with age at diagnosis. Our findings reveal two cellular identities and a composition of human neuroblastoma tumors reflecting clinical heterogeneity and outcome.

[Activity comparison of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells with murine CD19 CAR-T on Nalm-6 cells and xenograft tumor model]

Objective: To compare the activity difference of the high affinity humanized CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and murine CD19 CAR-T cells. Methods: Peripheral venous blood T cells from 8 healthy volunteers were collected and infected with humanized and murine CD19 CAR lentivirus. Human and murine CD19 CAR-T cells were prepared and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The cytotoxicity of CD3(+) T cells, humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T cells to NALM-6 cells was detected by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Thirty BAL B/c nude mice transplanted with NALM-6 cells were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 mice in each group and injected humanized CD19 CAR-T cells, mouse CD19 CAR-T cells and control CD3(+) T cell via tail vein, respectively. The proportion of NALM-6 cells in peripheral blood and the proportion of CD19 CAR-T cells in T cells from the vein of the inner canthus were detected by flow cytometry. The overall survival of BAL B/c nude mice was observed. Results: The proliferation of mouse and humanized CD19 CAR-T cells were (68.50±0.93)% and (80.63±1.41)%, respectively (t=20.353, P<0.001) after cultured in vitro for 24 hours, and were (91.38±1.41)% and (148.13±1.25)%, respectively (t=85.364, P<0.001) after cultured for 48 hours. When the effect to target ratio was 1∶1, there was no difference between the humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T cell group after co-culture for 24 hours (P=0.169), while the killing activity of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells against NALM-6 cells was higher than that of murine CD19 CAR-T cells (P<0.01) after 48 hours of co-culture. When the effect to target ratio was 4∶1, the cytotoxicity of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells against NALM-6 cells was higher than that of murine CD19 CAR-T cells in co-culture for 24 and 48 hours (P<0.01). On the seventh day of CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, the proportion of NALM-6 cells in the peripheral blood of BAL B/c nude mice decreased to the lowest level in the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group and the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group. After 21 days, the proportion of NALM-6 cells in the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group was higher than that in the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group (P(21 d)=0.001, P(28 d)<0.001, P(35 d)<0.001). The proportion of humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T cells in the peripheral blood reached the peaks after 7 days of therapy, and the proportion of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells was higher than that of murine CAR-T cells (P(7 d)=0.002). The CD19 CAR-T cells disappeared in the peripheral blood in the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group after 14 days of therapy, while in the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group it disappeared after 21 days of therapy. The median survival of BAL B/c nude mice in the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group and the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group was 42 days and 63 days, respectively (χ(2)=15.382, P<0.001). Conclusions: High affinity humanized CD19 CAR-T cells have stronger proliferation, higher cytotoxicity and longer survival time compared with those of murine CD19 CAR-T cells. The results indicate that the clinical efficacy of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells would be better than that of murine CD19 CAR-T cells.

[Humanized BCMA CAR-T cell salvage therapy in two refractory multiple myeloma patients who progressed after their murine BCMA CAR-T cell therapy]

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of humanized anti-BCMA chimeric antigen receptor modified (BCMA CAR) -T cell therapy after disease progression with their murine BCMA CAR-T cell therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) . Methods: Study participants underwent leukapheresis to collect T cells for BCMA CAR-T manufacturing. Patients were pretreated with intensive chemotherapy (fludarabine combined with cytarabine) before CAR-T therapy. Adverse events (AEs) , CAR DNA expansion, and cytokine were monitored. In vitro, transfection efficacy, specific cytotoxicity, and inflammatory response were detected when co-cultured with effector and target cells. Results: Patient (PT) 1 and 2 achieved complete remission (CR) and disease stability at 3 months post murine CAR-T therapy. However, 16 and 18 months later, they experienced progression of disease (PD) , and patient 1 presented with extramedullary disease at PD. Both of the patients received humanized CAR-T therapy and achieved partial remission (PR) and very good partial remission (VGPR) post humanized CAR-T therapy. PT1 achieved CR of the soft tissue masses at 4 months post humanized CAR-T therapy. Notably, the median peak of the BCMA CAR-T cells, copy of BCMA CAR gene, persistence of BCMA CAR-T, and the peak levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α were higher in humanized CAR-T therapy than those in the murine CAR-T therapy. During the murine CAR-T therapy, both of the patients experienced grade 1 CRS and no ICANS. PT1 experienced grade 3 CRS and grade 2 ICANS during humanized CAR-T therapy, which were relieved by supportive care. Grade 2 CRS was observed for patient 2 during humanized CAR-T therapy. Humanized BCMA CAR-T cells showed a higher inflammatory response and in vitro cytotoxicity than that of murine BCMA CAR-T cells with effector/targets cells at 1∶1 over 48 hours (P<0.001) . The proportions of residual cells in humanized BCMA CAR-T and murine CAR-T were (17.38±5.18) % vs (28.27±4.58) %, (13.25±1.62) % vs (22.77±1.77) % for PT1 and PT2, respectively. Conclusions: The humanized BCMA CAR-T cell therapy was efficient and safe for patients who experienced progression of disease after the murine CAR-T therapy, especially for patients with extramedullary disease.

Is there a shared genetic basis and causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and psychiatric disorders: evidence from a comprehensive genetic analysis

STUDY QUESTION

Is there a shared genetic basis or causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a range of psychiatric disorders?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Genome-wide genetic correlation analysis and bidirectional Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis suggest no shared genetic basis or causal relationship of PCOS with psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The comorbidity of PCOS with a range of psychiatric disorders has been recognised by epidemiological investigations yet a causal relationship remains unclear. Understanding of how genetic variations contribute to the susceptibility to PCOS and psychiatry disorders could provide meaningful insights into disease mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We incorporated summary statistics from the hitherto largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted in subjects with PCOS (Ncase = 9322) or four common psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) (Ncase ranges between 20 352 and 246 363), all of European ancestry.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

We quantified pairwise genetic correlation to understand the shared genetic predisposition using genome-wide genetic variants. We performed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomisation analysis to make causal inferences, using GWAS-identified 102 depression-associated genetic instruments, 6 anxiety-associated instruments, 179 schizophrenia-associated instruments, 30 bipolar disorder-associated instruments and 14 PCOS-associated instruments. We performed several important sensitivity analyses examining sex hormones and utilising different MR approaches.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

We did not find significant genetic correlations (rg) for PCOS with psychiatric disorders (depression (rg = 0.09, P = 0.06), anxiety (rg = 0.15, P = 0.06), schizophrenia (rg = 0.02, P = 0.59), bipolar disorder (rg = 0.08, P = 0.19)). Genetic predisposition to PCOS was associated with depression in some of our MR approaches, without any evidence of pleiotropy (PMR-Egger intercept = 0.60). However, this weak PCOS-depression causal association attenuated to null after adjusting for BMI (1.00 (0.99-1.02), P = 0.28). On the contrary, we did not observe any statistically significant association between genetically instrumented PCOS with other psychiatric disorders (anxiety 1.01 (0.93-1.08), P = 0.89; schizophrenia 1.03 (0.97-1.10), P = 0.37; bipolar disorder 0.96 (0.90-1.03), P = 0.26). Bidirectional MR did not reveal an effect by which mental health conditions influenced PCOS risk.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Despite our study being the largest in sample size of its kind, the overall negligible causal relationship between PCOS and psychiatric outcomes may reflect a true null association but may also be due to a true effect too modest to be detected. We were not able to investigate PCOS subtypes and used an overall heterogenous PCOS sample due to limited availability of data.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our comprehensive analysis does not identify a shared genetic basis of PCOS with psychiatric diseases. Although genetically instrumented PCOS appears to correlate with depression, such an effect is likely mediated by BMI, suggesting a role of non-genetic exposures underlying the observed comorbidity.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The work was supported by the Swedish Medical Research Council 2018-02435 (to E.S.V.), Novo Nordisk Foundation NNF19OC0056647 (to E.S.V.), the Adlerbert Research Foundation (to E.S.V.), the SRP in Diabetes at Karolinska Institutet (to E.S.V.) and the Swedish Research Council VR 2018-02247 (to X.J.). The funders had no influence on the data collection, analyses or conclusions of the study. No conflict of interests to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

[Analysis of families with fetal congenital abnormalities but negative prenatal diagnosis by whole exome sequencing]

Objective: To evaluate the value of whole exome sequencing (WES) in prenatal clinical application. Methods: A total of 1 152 cases of congenital abnormal [including structural malformation, nuchal translucency (NT) thickening and intrauterine growth restriction] with traditional prenatal diagnosis [including G-band karyotype analysis and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA)] negative were analyzed. The congenital abnormal fetuses were divided into retrospective group and prospective group according to the time of WES detection, that is whether the pregnancy termination or not. According to the specific location of fetal malformation and their family history, the cohort was divided into subgroups. The clinical prognosis of all fetuses were followed up, and the effect of WES test results on pregnancy decision-making and clinical intervention were analyzed. According to the follow-up results, the data of fetuses with new phenotypes in the third trimester or after birth were re-analyzed. Results: Among 1 152 families who received WES, 5 families were excluded because of nonbiological parents. Among the remaining 1 147 families, 152 fetuses obtained positive diagnosis (13.3%,152/1 147), including 74 fetuses in the retrospective group (16.1%,74/460) and 78 fetuses in the prospective group (11.4%,78/687). In fetuses with negative CMA and G-band karyotype analysis results but new phenotypes in the third trimester or after birth, the positive rate by WES data re-analysis was 4.9% (8/163). A total of 34 (21.3%, 34/160) fetuses were directly affected by the corresponding positive molecular diagnosis. Among 68 cases of live births with diagnostic variation grade 4, 29 cases (42.7%, 29/68) received appropriate medical intervention through rapid review of WES results. Conclusions: WES could increase the detection rate of abnormal fetuses with negative G-banding karyotype analysis and CMA by 13.3%. Prenatal WES could guide pregnancy decision-making and early clinical intervention. It might be an effective strategy to pay attention to the special follow-up of the third trimester and postnatal fetus and to re-analyze the WES data.

[Analysis of local reactions and efficacy of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells therapy in recurrent/refractory B-cell lymphoma with >7.5 cm lesions]

目的

观察病灶>7.5 cm的复发/难治B细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤（R/R NHL）患者CD19嵌合抗原受体T细胞（CAR-T细胞）治疗的肿瘤局部反应及疗效。

方法

以2018年8月至2020年5月接受CD19 CAR-T细胞治疗的病灶>7.5 cm的32例R/R NHL患者为研究对象，流式细胞仪检测CD19CAR-T细胞的体内扩增情况；酶联免疫吸附测定法检测患者外周血中细胞因子水平；观察全身不良反应及肿瘤局部反应，分析总有效率（ORR）及总生存（OS）情况。

结果

① 32例患者CAR-T细胞治疗后，13例获得完全缓解（CR）（40.63％），10例获得部分缓解（PR）（31.25％），ORR为71.88％。② 23例有效患者均发生细胞因子释放综合征（CRS），其中1～2级13例，3～4级10例；而疾病稳定+疾病进展（SD+PD）组9例患者CRS均为1～2级（P＝0.030）。③共15例（46.9％）患者发生肿瘤局部反应，其中CR 9例、PR 5例、SD 1例，肿瘤局部反应包括：浅表肿物直径增大且伴红肿热痛；深部肿物表现为腹痛、腹胀、憋气以及肿瘤局部疼痛、烧灼，瘤体增大或伴局部水肿；肿瘤局部出现渗出性病变，可见于腹腔、胸膜腔等。④有效组CD19 CAR-T细胞峰值高于SD+PD组［16.8％（5.3％～48.2％）对2.9％（1.5％～5.7％），z＝−4.297，P<0.001］，有效组中出现肿瘤局部反应患者CD19 CAR-T细胞峰值高于未出现肿瘤局部反应患者［22.2％（10.5％～48.2％）对12.6％（5.3％～21.6％），z＝−3.213，P＝0.001］，多发肿块组CD19 CAR-T细胞峰值高于单发肿块组［35.8％（1.5％～48.2％）对16.8％（10.5％～18.5％），z＝−2.023，P＝0.040］。⑤肿瘤局部反应出现和瘤体缩小时间，均较全身不良反应时间延迟。⑥有效患者中出现肿瘤局部反应者OS率高于未出现肿瘤局部反应者，但差异无统计学意义（75.0％对34.6％，P＝0.169）。

结论

病灶>7.5 cm的R/R NHL患者CD19 CAR-T细胞治疗，近一半出现肿瘤局部反应，发生时间迟于全身不良反应开始的时间。临床试验注册：中国临床试验注册中心（ChiCTR1800018059）

[In vitro studies on the transfer of CAR into leukemia cells due to their residue in the autologous CAR-T cell preparation system for acute B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and cytotoxicity in vitro of the residual leukemia cells in the culture system that caused the accidental transfer of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into leukemia cells during the preparation of autologous CD19 CAR-T cells of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Methods: ①Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 30 patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic anemia (R/R B-ALL) who accepted CD19 CAR-T cell therapy and six healthy volunteers were collected. ②The residual leukemia cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in the system after the PBMCs of R/R B-ALL patients were sorted by CD3 magnetic beads. ③ CD3(+) T cells from patients and healthy volunteers were transfected with CD19 CAR and CD22 CAR lentivirus to prepare CD19 CAR-T and CD22 CAR-T cells. ④The Nalm-6 cell line was resuscitated and the Nalm-6 cells with CD19 CAR lentivirus were transfected to prepare CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells. The patient's primary ALL cells were transfected with CD19 CAR lentivirus at the same time. ⑤The transfection rates were analyzed by flow cytometer, the cell proliferation was analyzed by the CCK-8 method, and the cell-killing activities were detected by the lactate dehydrogenase method. Results: ① Among the 30 R/R B-ALL patients who received CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, two patients had 2.04% and 3.32% residual leukemia cells in CD3(+) T cells. After 4 days in culture, the residual leukemia cells disappeared and could not be detected by a flow cytometer with prolonged cultivation in vitro. ② The proliferation of CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells was higher than that of the Nalm-6 cells. ③ The killing activity of the CD19 CAR-T cells on Nalm-6 cells was higher than that of the CD19 CAR-Nalm6 cells at a target ratio of 1∶1 on 24, 48, 72 h, respectively. The cytotoxicity of CD22 CAR-T cells on CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells was significantly higher than that of CD19 CAR-T cells. ④ The cytotoxicity of CD22 CAR-T alone on CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells was higher than that of CD19 CAR-T combined with CD22 CAR-T at the same target ratio. Conclusion: The residual leukemia cells in the culture system in the preparation of CD19 CAR-T cells may lead to the introduction of CD19 CAR into leukemia cells and results in the failure of the CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. Detecting the residual leukemia cells in the culture system via flow cytometry before transfection with CD19 CAR lentivirus is needed. Thus, CD22 CAR-T cell therapy could be used as one of the salvage treatments.

Circ_0001982 accelerates the progression of colorectal cancer via sponging microRNA-144

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to uncover the expression pattern and biological function of circ_0001982 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Relative expression level of circ_0001982 in 66 paired CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The association between circ_0001982 level and clinical indexes of CRC patients was assessed. The effect of circ_0001982 on cellular behaviors of HT29 and HCT-116 cells was evaluated in vitro. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the binding relation between circ_0001982 and microRNA-144. Finally, rescue experiments were performed to assess the role of the circ_0001982/microRNA-144 axis in mediating the progression of CRC.

RESULTS

Circ_0001982 was significantly up-regulated in CRC tissues when compared with adjacent normal ones. CRC patients with a high expression level of circ_0001982 showed a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis and worse survival. Knockdown of circ_0001982 remarkably attenuated the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of HCT-116 cells. However, opposite results were observed after the overexpression of circ_0001982 in HT29 cells. MicroRNA-144 was verified as a target gene of circ_0001982, which could be negatively regulated by circ_0001982. Furthermore, microRNA-144 was capable of reversing the regulatory effect of circ_0001982 on the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Up-regulated circ_0001982 was closely related to distant metastasis and poor prognosis of CRC. In addition, circ_0001982 attenuated the progression of CRC by negatively regulating microRNA-144.

An Acylase from Shewanella Putrefaciens Presents a Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Acylhomoserine Lactone-Degrading Activity and Exhibits Temperature-, Ph- and Metal-Dependences

Shewanella putrefaciens supernatant was found to increase the virulence factors of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by efficiently degrading its acylhomoserine lactone (AHL). To further reveal the regulation mechanism and its key degrading enzyme, a potential AHL-degrading enzyme acylase (Aac) from S. putrefaciens was cloned, and the influences of temperature, pH, protein modifiers, and metals on Aac were tested. Aac was significantly influenced by temperature and pH, and exhibited the highest AHL-degrading activity at temperatures of 37 °C and pH of 8. Mg2+ and Fe2+ can further increase the AHL-degrading activity. 10 mM EDTA inhibited its activity possibly by chelating the co-factors (metals) required for Aac activity. Tryptophan and arginine were identified as key components for Aac activity that are critical to its AHL-degrading activity. This study provides useful information on Aac and for V. parahaemolyticus control.

FOXK1 promotes malignant progression of breast cancer by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression characteristics of forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) in breast cancer (BCa). Meanwhile, its relationship with clinicopathology and prognosis of patients with BCa was also explored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of FOXK1 in 65 paired BCa tissues and para-cancerous tissues was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between FOXK1 expression and BCa pathological parameters as well as the prognosis of patients was analyzed. Meanwhile, the expression of FOXK1 in BCa cells was detected by qRT-PCR. Subsequently, FOXK1 knockdown and overexpression models were constructed by lentivirus transfection in BCa cell lines (including MCF-7 and SKBR3). The effect of FOXK1 on the biological functions of BCa cells was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), cell cloning assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, whether the role of FOXK1 was achieved via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was explored.

RESULTS

The qRT-PCR results showed that FOXK1 expression in BCa tissues was significantly higher than that of adjacent tissues. Compared with patients with low expression of FOXK1, the pathological grading was markedly higher in those with high expression. Meanwhile, the overall survival rate was remarkably lower in patients with high expression. In addition, compared with the negative control group, the proliferation ability of cells in FOXK1 knockdown group was significantly decreased, while cell apoptosis was markedly up-regulated. Besides, Western blot results revealed that silencing FOXK1 could reduce the levels of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby promoting the malignant progression of BCa. Finally, PI3Kα/mTOR-IN-1, which was the inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, significantly reversed the proliferative capacity of cells in FOXK1 overexpression group, as well as enhanced anti-apoptotic ability.

CONCLUSIONS

FOXK1 expression was remarkably increased both in BCa tissues and cells. Meanwhile, it was markedly associated with pathological stage and poor prognosis of patients. Besides, FOXK1 might promote the malignant progression of BCa by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

[Maintenance therapy following CD19 CAR-T treatment for relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the maintenance therapy following an anti-CD19-CAR T-cell therapy for a B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and investigate the effect of donor stem cells and donor T lymphocyte infusion on the amplification of CD19 CAR-T cells. Methods: One refractory B-ALL patient relapsed after murine CD19 CAR-T cell therapy followed by a sibling allo-HSCT. He underwent a humanized CD19 CAR-T cell therapy followed by donor stem cell and donor T lymphocytes infusions as maintenance therapy in our hospital. The level of cytokines, the proportion of CD19 CAR-T cell, the level of CAR19 DNA expression in the peripheral blood, and the proportion of leukemia cells and donor chimerism in the bone marrow were detected. Correspondingly, T lymphocytes from the C57 spleen were separated to modify the CD19 CAR lentivirus and refused into C57 mice, and after 14 days, the B lymphocytes from C57 mice were separated and refused into the same C57 mice. The CD19 CAR T cells, B cells, and CD19 CAR gene counts in the peripheral blood were evaluated at different time points. Results: ①The patient achieved a complete response (CR) 14 days after a humanized CD19 CAR-T therapy with grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and restored a donor chimerism to 99.76%. ② Following the remission from humanized CD19 CAR-T therapy, the patient received a maintenance therapy of donor stem cell infusion. Mild graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) manifested 24 days after infusion with an increased proportion of CD19 CAR-T cells and an increased level of CAR19 DNA expression in the peripheral blood. It fell with the remission of GVHD. The patient maintained CR and 99.69% donor chimerism during this period. ③ Throughout the subsequent donor T lymphocytes maintenance therapy, mild GVHD surfaced12 days after infusion without an increased proportion of CD19 CAR-T cells and an increased level of CAR19 DNA expression in the peripheral blood. The patient maintained CR and 99.87% donor chimerism during this period. ④ In vivo experiments on C57 mice confirmed that the proportion of CD19 CAR-T cells and the level of CAR19 DNA expression were upregulated in mice following CAR-T cell infusion, accompanied by depletion of CD19(+) B lymphocyte. After infusion of CD19(+) B lymphocyte cells, an increased proportion of CD19 CAR-T cells and an increased level of CAR19 DNA expression in the peripheral blood were observed again. Conclusions: The infusion of donor stem cells and donor T lymphocytes could be used as a maintenance treatment after CD19 CAR-T cell therapy for B-ALL patients who relapsed after allo-HSCT. Infusion of donor stem cells induced an increased proportion of CD19 CAR-T cells and an increased level of CAR19 DNA expression with the occurrence of GVHD. It might lead to further elimination of minimal residual disease.

Association between SLCO1B1 polymorphism distribution frequency and blood lipid level in Chinese adults

BACKGROUND

The variation of serum lipid levels can be part-related to certain genes. One such gene, SLCO1B1, encodes a transporter that may have a role in lipid metabolism. We hypothesised that differences in certain SLCO1B1 genotypes are related to levels of serum lipids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 636 subjects who were genotyped for SLCO1B1 variants *1a, *1b, *5 and *15. Routine liver function tests, renal function tests and routine lipid indices were measured by standard techniques.

RESULTS

The most frequent genotypes were *1b/*1b (29.3%), *1b/*15 (27.5%), *1a/*1b (21.1%), *1a/*15 and *1b/*5 (10.2%) and *1a/*1a (8.5%). There were significant differences in levels of triglycerides and HDL in the four SLCO1B1 genotypes *1a/*1a, *1b/*1b, *1a/*1b and *1b/*15 (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The genotypes *1a/*1a and *1a/*1b indicate a high risk of cardiovascular disease, while the *1b/*1b group may have a relatively low risk. SLCO1B1 may be involved in the metabolism of triglycerides and HDL. We have provided a tool for identifying potentially high-risk groups that could be helpful for early diagnosis and prevention, individualized drug therapy and even gene therapy.

[Effects and mechanism of rat epidermal stem cells treated with exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor on healing of deep partial-thickness burn wounds in rats]

Objective: To explore the effects and mechanism of rat epidermal stem cells (ESCs) that were treated with exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the healing of deep partial-thickness burn wounds in rats. Methods: ESCs were isolated and cultured from the trunk skin of a 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. The third passage of cultured cells in the logarithmic growth phase was used in experiments (1)-(3). (1) The cells were routinely cultured in keratinocytes-specified serum-free medium (K-SFM) (the same routine culture condition below). The morphology of cells cultured for 3 and 5 days was observed under the inverted optical microscope. (2) After 24 hours in routine culture, the expression of cell surface markers CD44, CD45, CD11b, and CD11c was detected by flow cytometer, with triplicate samples. (3) Four batches of cells were collected, and each batch was divided into VEGF group or blank control group according to the random number table. The cells in blank control group were routinely cultured, while the cells in VEGF group were cultured in K-SFM containing VEGF in the final mass concentration of 10 ng/mL. The protein expressions of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and CK10 in cells cultured for 10 days were detected by Western blotting. The Nanog mRNA expression in cells cultured for 0 (immediately), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 day (s) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The absorbance value was detected with cell counting kit-8 in cells cultured for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days. The clone number of more than 50 cells was observed and counted under the optical microscope in cells cultured for 10 days, and the cell colony formation rate was calculated. Three samples at each time point was analysed. (4) Thirty-six 3-month-old SD rats (either male or female) were used for the study, and two deep partial-thickness burn wounds (10 mm in diameter) were created in each rat by pressing a 100 ℃ electric iron plate on symmetric dorsal side. According to the random number table, the injured rats were divided into VEGF+ ESCs group, ESCs alone group, and blank control group, with 12 rats and 24 wounds in each group. From 0 (immediately) to 2 day (s) after injury, 20 μL phosphate buffer solution (PBS) was injected into each wound in the three groups in one time, once a day, with the solution in VEGF+ ESCs group containing 0.8×10(6) cells/mL of ESCs treated by 10 ng/mL VEGF for 10 days, the solution in ESCs alone group containing 0.8×10(6) cells/mL of ESCs without any treatment, and the solution in blank control group being PBS only. On post first injection day (PFID) 0 (immediately), 3, 7, and 14, three rats from each group were taken respectively according to the random number table for wound healing assessment, and the wound healing rates on PFID 3, 7, and 14 were calculated. The mice at each time point were sacrificed with wound tissue harvested for histology, and the skin structure was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, analysis of variance for factorial design, least significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) By day 3 in culture, cells distributed in slowly-growing clusters. By day 5, the clusters were large and round, in which the cells mainly with large and round nuclei and little cytoplasm were observed. The above results were consistent with the morphological characteristics of ESCs. (2) The positive expression rate of CD44 was (94.3±1.2) %, and the expressions of CD45, CD11b, and CD11c were negative. The cells were confirmed as ESCs. (3) Compared with those of blank control group, the protein expression of CK19 in the cells of VEGF group was significantly increased after 10 days in culture (t=3.756, P<0.05), while the protein expression of CK10 was significantly decreased (t=3.149, P<0.05). Compared with those of blank control group, the Nanog mRNA expression in the cells cultured for 0 and 2 day (s) and absorbance values of the cells cultured for 2 and 4 day (s) were not significantly changed in VEGF group (t=0.58, 0.77, 0.53, 3.02, P>0.05), while the Nanog mRNA expression in the cells cultured for 4, 6, 8, and 10 days and absorbance values of the cells cultured for 6, 8, and 10 days were significantly increased in VEGF group (t=6.34, 5.00, 5.58, 4.61, 5.65, 10.78, 15.51, P<0.01). After 10 days in culture, the cell colony-forming rate in VEGF group was (56.4±1.3) %, significantly higher than (31.5±1.3) % of blank control group (t=13.96, P<0.01). (4) The burn wounds of rats in the three groups were confined to the superficial dermis of the skin on PFID 0. On PFID 3, normal skin tissue at wound margins slightly contracted in the rats of VEGF+ ESCs group, which was earlier than that in the other two groups. On PFID 7, the newly generated epidermis covered most parts of the rat wounds in VEGF+ ESCs group, and some of the epithelium crawled around the rat wounds in ESCs alone group, but no obvious epithelialization was observed in the rat wounds in blank control group. On PFID 14, the rat wounds in VEGF+ ESCs group were basically healed, while some parts of the rat wounds were unhealed in ESCs alone group, and most parts of the rat wounds were unhealed in blank control group. On PFID 3, the wound healing rates of rats in the three groups were similar (P>0.05). On PFID 7 and 14, the wound healing rates of rats in ESCs alone group, respectively (26.0±2.0) % and (64.4±4.7) %, were obviously higher than (12.4±1.1) % and (29.1±3.3) % of blank control group (P<0.01), all of which were obviously lower than (41.0±2.4) % and (91.3±3.5) % of VEGF+ ESCs group (P<0.01). On PFID 3, infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells were observed in the rat wounds in VEGF+ ESCs group, which was earlier than those in the other two groups. On PFID 7, a large number of endothelial cells were observed in the rat wounds in VEGF+ ESCs group, while proliferation of a few endothelial cells were observed in the rat wounds in ESCs alone group, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the rat wounds in blank control group. On PFID 14, the newly generated epidermal cells covered nearly all the rat wounds in VEGF+ ESCs group and most parts of the rat wounds in ESCs alone group, while a large number of endothelial cells were observed and the newly generated epidermal cells covered some parts of the rat wounds in blank control group. Conclusions: ESCs of rats treated with exogenous VEGF can promote the healing of deep partial-thickness burn wounds in rats, which may be related to VEGF's roles in promoting the proliferation of ESCs and reducing its differentiation level, so as to maintain the potency of stem cells.

AXIN2 gene silencing reduces apoptosis through regulating mitochondria-associated apoptosis signaling pathway and enhances proliferation of ESCs by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) mainly originate from totipotent cells in early-stage of mammalian embryo and could proliferate in a manner of un-limitation. This study aimed to investigate roles of Axin2 in proliferation of ESCs and explore the associated mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2) over-expression (LV5-AXIN2) and AXIN2 RNA interfere (LV3-AXIN2-RNAi) vectors were structured and transfected into H9 cells. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to evaluate cell proliferative activity. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to measure apoptosis of H9 cells. AXIN2, β-catenin, transcription factor 4 (TCF4), c-myc, c-jun and Cyclin D mRNA levels and protein expressions were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting assay.

RESULTS

LV5-AXIN2 and LV3-AXIN2-RNAi were successfully structured with higher transfecting efficacy. AXIN2 gene silencing remarkably increased proliferative activity and AXIN2 treatment significantly induced apoptosis of H9 cells, comparing with blank vector group (p<0.05). AXIN2 gene silencing significantly enhanced B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression and remarkably inhibited cleaved caspase-3 expression comparing to that in blank vector group (p<0.05). AXIN2-RNAi treatment significantly enhanced and AXIN2 over-expression significantly reduced β-catenin and TCF4 expression, comparing to that in blank vector group (p<0.05). AXIN2 gene silence activated down-stream molecules of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, including c-jun, c-myc, and Cyclin D1 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AXIN2 gene silencing reduced apoptosis by regulating mitochondria-associated apoptosis signaling pathway and enhanced proliferation by modulating molecules in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, targeting of aberrant apoptosis and AXIN2 might be a novel clinical strategy to inhibit aging and enhance self-renewal of ESCs.

[Mucormycosis in patients with hematological diseases: seven cases reports and literature review]

目的

探讨血液病合并毛霉菌病患者的临床特征、诊治与转归，提高对该病的认识。

方法

回顾性分析2012年9月至2018年9月7例血液病合并毛霉菌病患者的临床资料，分析其临床特征、治疗过程和转归。

结果

7例血液病合并毛霉菌病患者中，男4例，女3例，中位年龄36（19~79）岁。基础疾病：急性髓系白血病2例，急性B淋巴细胞白血病、外周T细胞淋巴瘤、慢性髓性白血病急髓变、骨髓增殖性肿瘤及重型再生障碍性贫血（移植后）各1例。毛霉菌病临床类型：4例为肺型，1例为鼻眶脑型，1例为皮肤型，1例为播散型。7例患者均通过活检组织病理确诊。治疗药物为两性霉素B、两性霉素B脂质体及泊沙康唑。手术治疗4例，其中3例术中彻底清除病变组织，1例仅行局限性清除。治愈2例，好转1例，死亡4例。

结论

血液病合并毛霉菌病患者临床表现及影像学表现多样，死亡率高，确诊主要依赖于组织病理学。早期诊断、控制基础疾病、改善免疫抑制状态、尽早行有效的抗真菌药物治疗及彻底的手术清创治疗是提高血液病合并毛霉菌病患者生存率的关键。

[PD-1 expression, mRNA level and cytotoxicity changes in CD19CAR-T cells]

目的

探讨CD19 CAR-T细胞培养过程中其PD-1蛋白、mRNA水平及细胞杀伤活性变化。

方法

收集6例外周血PD-1高表达恶性淋巴瘤患者、6例健康志愿者的外周血T细胞，作为CAR-T培养的T细胞来源。流式细胞术检测PD-1蛋白表达、PCR法检测PD-1 mRNA水平，CCK-8法检测细胞增殖，LDH法检测细胞杀伤活性。

结果

①PD-1高表达患者T细胞来源CD19 CAR-T细胞，与志愿者T细胞来源者相比，转染率无差异（P>0.05）；②PD-1高表达T细胞来源CAR-T细胞与PD-1抑制剂联合与否，以及健康志愿者CAR-T之间，细胞增殖差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）；③PD-1高表达T细胞与CAR-T细胞对淋巴瘤细胞株杀伤活性，低于二者联合PD-1抑制剂及志愿者CAR-T细胞（P<0.001），而PD-1高表达T细胞来源CAR-T细胞联合PD-1抑制剂与健康志愿者CAR-T细胞间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）；④各组细胞培养过程中PD-1表达均下降，差异无统计学意义（P>0.05），但各组细胞培养过程中，PD-1 mRNA的变化差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）；⑤PD-1高表达T细胞来源CAR-T收获后，与PD-1抑制剂共培养与否，其PD-1表达差异无统计学意义（P>0.05），但CAR-T与淋巴瘤细胞株接触后，其PD-1表达随培养时间延长而增高，加入PD-1抑制剂可拮抗该作用；各组间PD-1 mRNA的变化差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。

结论

PD-1高表达T细胞来源CAR-T细胞与肿瘤细胞接触后，其PD-1表达随培养时间延长而增高；而包括PD-1抑制剂在内，不能改变其PD-1 mRNA的表达。

[The evaluation of modified cell infusion method to reduce febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction in CD(19) chimeric antigen receptor T cell threapy]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of modified cell infusion method in reducing the incidence of febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR). Methods: A total of 69 patients were enrolled in the clinical trial of CD(19) chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell treatment from February 2017 to October 2018. Study group received the modified cell infusion method, that 1×10(6) CAR-T cells were re-suspended in 2 mg human serum albumin with total volume of 20 ml and injected intravenously. The control group was intravenously administrated with CAR-T cell in 100 ml normal saline. The incidence of FNHTR, cytokine releasing syndrome (CRS) grade, cytokine level and efficacy were compared. Results: (1)The incidence of FNHTR in the study group was 21.1%, significantly lower than that in the control group (71%)(P=0.000). (2)There was no statistical difference in cell proliferation between the study group and the control group on day 4, 7, 14 and 21 after CAR-T cell infusion (P=10.223, 3.254, 5.551, 7.605). (3)There was no statistical difference in CRS grading between the study group and the control group (P=0.767). There was no statistical difference in the levels of interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α between the two groups. (4)The C-reaction protein (CRP) level of the study group was lower than that of the control group on day 4 and 7 (P=0.026, 0.007). (5)There was no statistical difference of response rates in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients between the two groups (P(ALL)=0.842; P(NHL)=0.866). Conclusion: The modified cell infusion method in CD(19) CAR-T cell treatment reduces the incidence of treatment-related FNHTR. It does not affect the proliferation of CAR-T cells in vivo, the grading of CRS and the response rates.

[The specific cytotoxicities of chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells on different lymphomas]

目的

探讨共刺激分子为4-1BB的二代CD19嵌合抗原受体T细胞（CAR-T细胞）对不同侵袭性淋巴瘤细胞的体内、体外杀伤活性以及CAR-T细胞在体内生存的时间。

方法

采用慢病毒包装并感染T细胞的方法制备CD19 CAR-T细胞，采用CCK-8、ELISA和乳酸脱氢酶细胞毒性检测法检测CD19 CAR-T细胞的增殖能力、炎症因子释放水平和对Raji（套细胞淋巴瘤细胞株）、Pfeiffer（弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤细胞株）、EHEB（慢性淋巴细胞白血病细胞株）细胞的杀伤活性，采用流式细胞术分析CD19 CAR-T细胞治疗前后荷瘤裸鼠的肿瘤负荷和CAR-T细胞残留水平。

结果

①与二代CAR-T细胞比较，三代CAR-T细胞的体外（24、48 h）增殖能力（P值均<0.05）、对瘤细胞的杀伤活性（P值均<0.05）较强，差异有统计学意义；而炎症因子的释放水平差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。②效靶比为4∶1且共培养48 h时，二代CD19 CAR-T细胞对Raji细胞[（72.36±2.98）%]、Pfeiffer细胞[（55.92±4.16）%]、EHEB细胞[（35.53±3.93）%]的杀伤活性从强到弱，差异有统计学意义（P=0.013）。③裸鼠体内试验结果显示二代CAR-T细胞在EHEB荷瘤小鼠体内存活时间长于Raji荷瘤小鼠（P=0.046）。

结论

共刺激分子为4-1BB的二代CD19 CAR-T细胞对惰性淋巴瘤细胞株的杀伤活性稍低于对侵袭性淋巴瘤细胞株，但在惰性淋巴瘤细胞株荷瘤小鼠体内存活时间更长，可能更适合惰性淋巴瘤的治疗。

[Multilevel logistic regression analysis on hypercholesterolemia related risk factors among adults in China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among Chinese adults in different geographic areas, and to analyze the related factors. Methods: China Chronic and Non-Communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 2013, based on 298 counties/districts in 31 provinces of Chinese mainland. The adults aged 18 years old were randomly selected using multi-stage stratified clustering sampling method. Information on chronic disease and risk factors was collected using face-to-face questionnaire interview and physical measurement. Blood samples were collected by local staffs. Serum total cholesterol (TC) was determined using standard method in a central laboratory. After excluding 565 participants missing key variables and 1 558 participants with abnormal TC values, a total of 174 976 participants were included. Weighted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was calculated. Hypercholesterolemia related individual or geographic determinants were defined using multilevel logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Chinese adults age 18 years old and above was 6.9% (95%CI: 6.4%-7.3%), ranged from 3.0% (95%CI: 2.5%-3.4%) in the northwest of China to 14.2% (95%CI: 12.9%-15.5%) in the south (χ(2)=183.42, P<0.001). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was higher in 6 provinces including Tianjin, Liaoning, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan (≥9.0%), but lower in 7 provinces including Shanxi, Shannxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Tibet (<3.9%). There was a 1.27 fold variation in hypercholesterolemia prevalence by provincial level, and 72.5% of the geographical variation in hypercholesterolemia prevalence was account for by area-level determinants. With multilevel logistic analysis, the individual risk factors associated with hypercholesterolemia included aging, higher education level or annual household income per capita, regular drinking, too much red meal intake, inactivity, overweight or obesity. For geographic factors, residents living at south China, counties/districts with higher urbanization rates, higher education level or lower standardized death rates were more likely to have hypercholesterolemia (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was high in Chinese adults, it was different between regions and related with characteristics of population, individual behaviors and geographical regions.

[Relations between cigarette smoking and chronic diseases of Chinese adults in 2013]

Objective: To explore the relations between the prevalence of multiple chronic diseases and cigarette smoking behavior in the Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the results: from the 2013 Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (NCD Surveillance), 176 534 Chinese residents aged 18 years and above, covering 298 counties (districts) in 31 provinces, was randomly recruited, using the multi-stage stratified clustering sampling method. Information on demographics, cigarette smoking (status, quantity and period) was obtained through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected and properly stored for analysis. Results In total, 175 386 adults were included for statistical analyses, with 42.7% as males and 57.3% as females. The prevalence rates of hypertension, high total cholesterol and high triglycerides were 30.4%, 7.2% and 18.0% in male smokers, 35.6%, 14.0%, 10.3% and 15.9% in female smokers respectively, which were all higher than those in the respective non-smokers. Male smokers were found under lower risk on hypertension, but 19% higher on total glycerides when compared with non-smokers of the same sex(OR=1.19, 95%CI:1.10-1.30), when multiple risk factors were under control. Male current smokers with more than 20 cigarettes per day have 41% (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.28-1.55) higher risk of high TG than non-smokers. Female smokers presented 40% (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.15-1.70) higher risk in high glycerides than the non-smokers. Specifically, women smoking longer than 20 years have 60% (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.31-1.95) higher risk of high TG than women smoking less than 20 years. Conclusions: Prevalence rates of certain chronic diseases were seen higher in smokers of both genders. People with longer history of smoking or being heavier smokers, appeared at advanced risk on developing chronic diseases.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria and smectite after aflatoxin B1 challenge on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and smectite on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of broilers that were fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁ ). A total of 480 newly hatched male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into four groups with six replicates of 20 chicks each. The broilers were fed diets with the AFB₁ (40 μg/kg) challenge or without (control) it and supplemented with smectite (3.0 g/kg) or LAB (4.0 × 10¹⁰  CFU/kg) based on the AFB₁ diet. The trial lasted for 42 days. The results showed that during days 1-42 of AFB₁ challenge, the feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were depressed (p < .05). The inclusion of LAB and smectite increased (p < .05) the BWG by 71.58 and 41.89 g/bird, respectively, which reached the level of the control diet (p ≥ .05), but there were no differences (p ≥ .05) in performance between LAB and smectite. LAB and smectite also increased (p < .05) the apparent total tract digestibility of the crude protein. Regarding the blood parameters, AFB₁ decreased (p < .05) the levels of red blood cell count, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, haemoglobin, albumin and total protein. In the meantime, the AFB₁ increased (p < .05) leucocyte counts, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, total bilirubin, creatinine, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. By contrast, LAB and smectite affected (p < .05) these parameters in the opposite direction. It can be concluded that after the AFB₁ challenge, LAB and smectite have similar effects on the growth and health of the broilers, suggesting that LAB could be an alternative against AFB₁ in commercial animal feeds.

[Geographical variation and related factors in prediabetes prevalence in Chinese adults in 2013]

Objective: To investigate the geographical variation of prediabetes in adults in different regions of China, and to analyze the related factors of prediabetes. Methods: Data was obtained from China Chronic Disease and Related Risk Factor Surveillance in 2013. The surveillance adopted multiple-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, which sampled 177 099 residents aged above 18 years old among 298 surveillance points in 31 provinces of Chinese Mainland. Questionnaire interview was used to obtain demographic variables, personal living style, and socio-economical information. Physical examination was conducted and fasting venous blood sample and (oral glucose tolerance test-2 hours, OGTT-2 h) venous blood sample were obtained from the participants. A total of 171 567 residents aged 18 and above were included in the analysis. The prevalence of prediabetes was analyzed by provinces and by China's geographical regions, after complex weighting. Multilevel logistic models were established to explore the related factors of prediabetes on the area level and individual level. Results: The prevalence of prediabetes among residents aged 18 and above was 16.6% (95%CI: 15.6%-17.6%) in China. The prevalence of prediabetes was the highest (18.3%) in the south China and lowest (13.1%) in the northwest area. The difference of the prevalence in different areas were not statistically significant (P=0.510). If categorized the prevalence of prediabetes into 5 groups by quintile, Hainan, Jilin, Shandong, Anhui, Hunan and Chongqing were in the highest group of prevalence of prediabetes (18.6%-22.7%), and Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Guizhou, and Jiangxi were in the lowest group (7.6%-12.6%). The variance of prevalence of prediabetes on the county level (MOR: 1.60 (95%CI:1.53-1.67)) was more diverse than the province level (MOR: 1.21(95%CI:1.08-1.29)) and higher than the street level (1.23 (95%CI:1.14-1.30)). Several factors increased risk of pre-diabetes, including smoking, hazardous drinking and harmful drinking, drinking in the past 30 days, overweight, obesity, central obesity, sugary drink intake, hypertension, high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P<0.05). After adjusted the above variables, 92.5% of variance of prediabetes prevalence conld be explained on the provincial level. Conclusion: The geographical distribution of prediabetes in adults in China differed by geographic areas, and it significantly varied on the county level. The related variables included demographic variables, personal behavior, and geographic related variables.

Autophagy suppresses the proliferation of renal carcinoma cell

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effetcs of autophagy on the proliferation of renal carcinoma (RCCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Authophagy related protein 7 (Atg7)-overexpressing and knockdown RCC cell lines were established using lentiviral transfection and shRNA interference, respectively. (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) was used to determine the Cell growth rate, and western blot was used to determine the expression of protein. In order to establish xenograft animal models, stable transfected cells were injected into nude mice. After that those mice were used to detect the effect of autophagy on the growth of RCC in vivo.

RESULTS

Atg7 overexpression could up-regulate the level of LC3II in RCC cell lines, while Atg7-knockdown suppressed the expression of light chain 3 II (LC3II) in RCC cell lines. Atg7-overexpression cells exhibited a decreased growth profile, while suppressing the expression of Atg7 could accelerate the growth of RCC formed tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that autophagy could suppress the growth of RCC cells in vivo and in vitro, and autophagy appeared to be a new therapeutic target for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma.