[Research status and reflection on animal models of sepsis]

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death in children. Sepsis is a critical infectious disease that causes death in children globally, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. It poses a serious threat to children's health. Early diagnosis has become the key to treating severe sepsis. The establishment of animal models of sepsis can help people better diagnose sepsis and take interventions to improve the prognosis of sepsis patients. This study reviews the types, advantages and disadvantages of existing animal models of sepsis and proposes the optimization of these models to provide a reference basis for the selection and optimization of experimental models and the promotion of the "reverse transformation" of sepsis into clinical practice.

Cryptanshinone extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza stimulates pediatric acute myeloid leukemia stem cell apoptosis and the anti-inflammatory mechanism via accelerating microRNA-211-5p to supress Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway activation

This study was designed to explore cryptanshinone (CPT) extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza stimulating pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cell (LSC) apoptosis and anti-inflammatory mechanism via accelerating microRNA (miR)-211-5p to restrain Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway activation. Obtaining blood samples from pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients and healthy volunteers and detecting miR-211-5p and JAK2 were performed. Purchase of the human AML cell line KG1a was conducted, and sorting of KG1a cells was to gain LSC. Test of miR-211-5p and JAK2, the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 was implemented. Pretreatment of LSCs was with CPT. Variation of miR-211-5p and JAK2 in LSCs was via plasmid transfection to explore their actions in cell advancement with apoptosis and inflammation. Identification of the targeting of miR-211-5p with JAK2 was implemented. In results: MiR-211-5p was declined in endometrial cancer, while JAK2 was elevated; CPT was available to boost LSC apoptosis and restrain the inflammation; elevated miR-211-5p or repressive JAK2 was available to strengthen the acceleration of CPT on LSCs apoptosis and the repression of inflammation; MiR-211-5p targeted JAK2; augmented JAK2 was available to turn around the action of elevated miR-211-5p. We conclude that CPT extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza stimulated pediatric LSC apoptosis and restrained the inflammation via accelerating microRNA (miR)-211-5p to suppress JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation.

[Impact of different diagnostic criteria for assessing mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis: an analysis based on a prospective, multicenter, real-world study]

Objective: To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ (2) test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results: After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea (Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

[Blood eosinophils and clinical features of pneumoconiosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS) level and clinical characteristics of patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Methods: From January 2007 to November 2020, newly diagnosed patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were stratified into EOS<100 cells/μl group and EOS≥100 cells/μl group, taking 100 cells/μl as the cut-off value. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, lung function and laboratory indexes were compared between the two groups. Results: The median EOS count of patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD was 100 (40, 180) cells/μl. 50.2% (160/319) had blood eosinophil counts ≥100 cells/μl, and 11.0% (35/319) had blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/μl. In comparison with EOS<100 cells/μl group, EOS≥100 cells/μl group were older (P=0.035), had higher body mass index (P=0.008), and had lower forced respiratory volume in the first second (P=0.017), had higher the ratio of residual volume to total lung volume (P=0.010), and had lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (P=0.008). Arterial partial pressure of oxygen was significantly reduced in EOS≥100 cells/μl group (P=0.039). The peripheral blood EOS count was negatively correlated with forced vital capacity, forced breathing volume in the first second, carbon monoxide diffusion, peak expiratory flow, and maximum mid expiratory flow as a percentage of expected values (r(s)=-0.22, -0.18, -0.19, -0.19, -0.19, P=0.000, 0.001, 0.003, 0.008, 0.002), and positively correlated with the ratio of residual air volume to total lung volume (r(s)=0.17, P=0.002) . Conclusion: There was a correlation between blood EOS count and pulmonary function parameters, can proide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of chnoric obstuctive pulmmory disease in clinical practice.

[The incidence of artificial stone-related silicosis among interior decoration workers in different countries]

In this paper, 177 cases of artificial stone-related silicosis in interior decoration workers from Israel, Spain, USA, Italy and Australia were analyzed. Interior decoration workers were from small businesses (or workshops), engaged in kitchen and/or bathroom artificial stone countertops cutting, grinding, polishing and other reprocessing. In the working environment, the content of crystalline silica in artificial stone was more than 70%, and the concentration of silica dust exceeded the relevant standards. Most workplaces used dry cutting without ventilation and dust removal and other dust-proof measures, and most workers did not wear qualified respiratory protective equipment. Taking comprehensive measures such as wet operation, ventilation and dust removal, and individual protection can effectively prevent the occurrence of artificial stone-related silicosis.

[Clinical characteristics and follow-up analysis of 12 patients of acute phosphine poisoning]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with acute phosphine poisoning, and to follow up and evaluate the prognosis of patients. Methods: In May 2022, 12 patients with phosphine poisoning by respiratory inhalation in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital of Capital Medical University were analyzed. The patients were treated with symptomatic support therapy. Three months later, patients were re-evaluated the symptoms of poisoning, pulmonary function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to understand the prognosis of the phosphine poisoning. Results: The main symptoms of 12 patients were respiratory and central nervous system symptoms with hypoxia. The symptoms of poisoning improved after treatment. Follow-up found that the patients had different degrees of residual symptoms. Pulmonary function showed increased airway resistance. Airway challenge test was positive in some patients. MRI of the head of some patients showed small ischemic focus in bilateral frontal lobes. Conclusion: Acute phosphine poisoning may cause persistent damage to the respiratory system and central system, and residual symptoms after 3 months.

[A systematic review of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of artificial stone-related silicosis and dust protection]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, on-site dust monitoring and individual protection of the patients with artificial stone-related silicosis. Methods: In March 2022, the literature on artificial stone-related silicosis published from January 1965 to February 2022 was searched in China Journal Full-text Database, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, EMbase and PubMed. Chinese and English search terms include "silica dust""silica dust""silicosis""artificial stone""pneumoconiosis", etc. References were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted. The epidemiological characteristics, natural course of disease, workplace dust concentration and individual protection level of patients with artificial stone-related silicosis were analyzed by systematic review. Results: A total of 30 literatures were included, including 7 cohort studies, 14 cross-sectional studies, 3 case-control studies and 6 case reports. A total of 1358 patients with artificial stone-related silicosis were diagnosed from 1997 to 2020, with an average age of 41.5 years old and an average dust exposure time of 11.3 years. Among them, 36.2% (282/778) had progressive mass fibrosis or accelerated progressive silicosis at first diagnosis. Chest imaging showed diffuse small nodule shadow, pulmonary fibrosis, and silico-alveolar proteinosis. Pulmonary function showed restricted or mixed ventilation disorder with or without decreased diffusion volume. The disease progressed rapidly, with progressive mass fibrosis, respiratory failure, and even death. Patients engaged in artificial quartz stone processing, with high concentration of silica including ultra-fine particles, most of which were dry operation, lack of on-site ventilation measures and no effective personal protection. Conclusion: The artificial stone processing workers suffer from artificial stone-related silicosis due to dry cutting, lack of on-site dust removal facilities and personal protective measures, and the disease progresses rapidly, leading to poor prognosis.

HPIP is an essential scaffolding protein running through the EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway and drives tumorigenesis

The EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway plays a key role in cancer development and progression. However, the integral assembly of EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complexes from the upstream component EGFR to the downstream component ERK is largely unknown. Here, we show that hematopoietic PBX-interacting protein (HPIP) interacts with all classical components of the EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway and forms at least two complexes with overlapping components. Experiments of HPIP knockout or knockdown and chemical inhibition of HPIP expression showed that HPIP is required for EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complex formation, EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling activation, and EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling-mediated promotion of aerobic glycolysis as well as cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. HPIP expression is correlated with EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling activation and predicts worse clinical outcomes in patients with lung cancer. These results provide insights into EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complex formation and EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling regulation and suggest that HPIP may be a promising therapeutic target for cancer with dysregulated EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling.

[A concise review of diagnosis and evaluation of interstitial lung abnormalities]

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) refer to the subtle or mild signs of ILAs pulmonary parenchyma on chest HRCT scans, which are not yet sufficient to diagnose a certain interstitial lung disease, may be potentially compatible an early stage of the diseases. The signs of ILAs usually includes ground-glass opacities, reticular abnormakicies, honeycombing, traction bronchiectasis or non-emphysematous cysts. This article reviews the research progreses in the definition and classification, risk factors, prognosis, comorbidities and management of ILAs in combination with domestic and foreign literatures.

CHMP4A stimulates CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration and inhibits breast tumor growth via the LSD1/IFNβ axis

CD8+ T lymphocyte-mediated immunity strategies have represented attractive weapons against breast cancer (BC) recently. However, the mechanisms underlying CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration still remain obscure. Here, using bioinformatics analysis, we identified four hub prognostic genes related to CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration (CHMP4A, CXCL9, GRHL2, and RPS29), among which CHMP4A was the most significant gene. High CHMP4A mRNA expression was significantly associated with longer overall survival (OS) in BC patients. Functional experiments showed that CHMP4A had the ability to promote CD8+ T-lymphocyte recruitment and infiltration and suppressed BC growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CHMP4A stimulates CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration by downregulating LSD1 expression, leading to HERV dsRNA accumulation, and promoting IFNβ and its downstream chemokine production. Collectively, CHMP4A is not only a novel positive predictor for prognosis in BC but also a stimulator of CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration regulated by the LSD1/IFNβ pathway. This study suggests that CHMP4A may be a novel target for improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with BC.

HUNK inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CRC via direct phosphorylation of GEF-H1 and activating RhoA/LIMK-1/CFL-1

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with the invasive and metastatic phenotypes in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms underlying EMT in CRC are not completely understood. In this study, we find that HUNK inhibits EMT and metastasis of CRC cells via its substrate GEF-H1 in a kinase-dependent manner. Mechanistically, HUNK directly phosphorylates GEF-H1 at serine 645 (S645) site, which activates RhoA and consequently leads to a cascade of phosphorylation of LIMK-1/CFL-1, thereby stabilizing F-actin and inhibiting EMT. Clinically, the levels of both HUNK expression and phosphorylation S645 of GEH-H1 are not only downregulated in CRC tissues with metastasis compared with that without metastasis, but also positively correlated among these tissues. Our findings highlight the importance of HUNK kinase direct phosphorylation of GEF-H1 in regulation of EMT and metastasis of CRC.

MiR-3180 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis by targeting lipid synthesis and uptake

PURPOSE

Reprogrammed lipid metabolism is a hallmark of cancer that provides energy, materials, and signaling molecules for rapid cancer cell growth. Cancer cells acquire fatty acids primarily through de novo synthesis and uptake. Targeting altered lipid metabolic pathways is a promising anticancer strategy. However, their regulators have not been fully investigated, especially those targeting both synthesis and uptake.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed on samples from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to establish the correlation between miR-3180, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), and CD36 expression, quantified via qRT-PCR and western blotting. The correlation was analyzed using a luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed using CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Oil Red O staining and flow cytometry were used to detect lipids. Triglycerides and cholesterol levels were analyzed using a reagent test kit. CY3-labeled oleic acid transport was analyzed using an oleic acid transport assay. Tumor growth and metastasis were detected in vivo in a xenograft mouse model.

RESULTS

MiR-3180 suppressed de novo fatty acid synthesis and uptake by targeting the key lipid synthesis enzyme SCD1 and key lipid transporter CD36. MiR-3180 suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in an SCD1- and CD36-dependent manner in vitro. The mouse model demonstrated that miR-3180 inhibits HCC tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting SCD1- and CD36-mediated de novo fatty acid synthesis and uptake. MiR-3180 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and negatively correlated with SCD1 and CD36 levels. Patients with high miR-3180 levels showed better prognosis than those with low levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our investigation indicates that miR-3180 is a critical regulator involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis and uptake, which inhibits HCC tumor growth and metastasis by suppressing SCD1 and CD36. Therefore, miR-3180 is a novel therapeutic target and prognostic indicator for patients with HCC.

Let-7b-5p inhibits breast cancer cell growth and metastasis via repression of hexokinase 2-mediated aerobic glycolysis

Hexokinase 2 (HK2), a critical rate-limiting enzyme in the glycolytic pathway catalyzing hexose phosphorylation, is overexpressed in multiple human cancers and associated with poor clinicopathological features. Drugs targeting aerobic glycolysis regulators, including HK2, are in development. However, the physiological significance of HK2 inhibitors and mechanisms of HK2 inhibition in cancer cells remain largely unclear. Herein, we show that microRNA-let-7b-5p (let-7b-5p) represses HK2 expression by targeting its 3'-untranslated region. By suppressing HK2-mediated aerobic glycolysis, let-7b-5p restrains breast tumor growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. In patients with breast cancer, let-7b-5p expression is significantly downregulated and is negatively correlated with HK2 expression. Our findings indicate that the let-7b-5p/HK2 axis plays a key role in aerobic glycolysis as well as breast tumor proliferation and metastasis, and targeting this axis is a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Epitranscriptic regulation of HRAS by N6-methyladenosine drives tumor progression

Overexpression of Ras, in addition to the oncogenic mutations, occurs in various human cancers. However, the mechanisms for epitranscriptic regulation of RAS in tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here, we report that the widespread N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of HRAS, but not KRAS and NRAS, is higher in cancer tissues compared with the adjacent tissues, which results in the increased expression of H-Ras protein, thus promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, three m6A modification sites of HRAS 3' UTR, which is regulated by FTO and bound by YTHDF1, but not YTHDF2 nor YTHDF3, promote its protein expression by the enhanced translational elongation. In addition, targeting HRAS m6A modification decreases cancer proliferation and metastasis. Clinically, up-regulated H-Ras expression correlates with down-regulated FTO and up-regulated YTHDF1 expression in various cancers. Collectively, our study reveals a linking between specific m6A modification sites of HRAS and tumor progression, which provides a new strategy to target oncogenic Ras signaling.

[Effect of pirfenidone on paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats]

Objective: To construct paraquat (PQ) poisoning rat model and to explore the effect of pirfenidone (PFD) on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In April 2017, male 6-8 week-old Wistar rats were selected, and PQ was administered intraperitoneally at one time. PFD was administered by gavage 2 hours after poisoning. The daily gavage doses were 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, and the rats were divided into physiological saline group, PQ group, PQ+PFD 100 group, PQ+PFD 200 group, PQ+PFD 300 group, with 10 rats in each group at each observation time point. The pathological changes of lung tissue at different time points (the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th, 42nd and 56th days) after poisoning and the effect of PFD intervention with different dose on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis were observed. Pathological evaluation of lung tissue was performed by Ashcroft scale method. The PQ+PFD 200 group was selected to further explore the pathological changes of lung tissue, the contents of hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde in lung tissue were determined.And the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α, interleukin (IL) -6, transforming growth factor (TGF) -β1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -B, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) -AB, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -1 and PQ concentrations in serum and lung tissue were determined. Results: On the 1st to 7th day after PQ exposure, rats developed lung inflammation, which was aggravated on the 7th to 14th day, and pulmonary fibrosis appeared on the 14th to 56th day. Compared with PQ group, the Ashcroft scores of lung fibrosis in PQ+PFD 200 group and PQ+PDF 300 group decreased significantly in 7th and 28th day (P<0.05), while the Ashcroft score of lung fibrosis in PQ+PFD 100 group had no significant difference (P>0.05). After PQ exposure, the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue increased gradually and reached the peak value on the 28th day. Compared with the PQ group, the contents of hydroxyproline in the PQ+PFD 200 group decreased at the 7th, 14th and 28th day, and the contents of malondialdehyde decreased at the 3rd and 7th day, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 in rat serum and lung tissue reached the peak value on the 7th day after PQ exposure, and the levels of TGF-β1, FGF-B and IGF-1 in rat serum and lung tissue reached the peak value on the 14th day after PQ exposure, and the level of PDGF-AB in rat serum and lung tissue reached the peak value on the 28th day after PQ exposure. Compared with PQ group, the level of serum IL-6 in PQ+PFD 200 group decreased significantly on the 7th day, and serum TGF-β1, FGF-B, PDGF-AB and IGF-1 on the 14th and 28th day were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 in lung tissue of rats in PQ+PFD 200 group on the 7th day decreased significantly, and the levels of TGF-β1, FGF-B and IGF-1 in lung tissue of rats on the 14th day were significantly decreased, and the level of PDGF-AB in lung tissue of rats on the 28th day were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: PFD partially alleviates the PQ-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines in serum and lung tissue, but does not affect the concentrations of PQ in serum and lung tissue.

DNA damage contributes to age-associated differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is known to disproportionately affect older individuals. How aging processes affect SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression remains largely unknown. Here, we found that DNA damage, one of the hallmarks of aging, promoted SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in vivo. SARS-CoV-2 entry was facilitated by DNA damage caused by extrinsic genotoxic stress or telomere dysfunction and hampered by inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR). Mechanistic analysis revealed that DDR increased expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the primary receptor of SARS-CoV-2, by activation of transcription factor c-Jun. Importantly, in vivo experiment using a mouse-adapted viral strain also verified the significant roles of DNA damage in viral entry and severity of infection. Expression of ACE2 was elevated in the older human and mice tissues and positively correlated with γH2AX, a DNA damage biomarker, and phosphorylated c-Jun (p-c-Jun). Finally, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and MDL-800, which promote DNA repair, alleviated SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our data provide insights into the age-associated differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection and a novel approach for antiviral intervention.

[Bibliometric and hot spot visualization analysis of pneumoconiosis and smoking]

Objective: To analyze the distribution and keywords of Chinese and English literature on pneumoconiosis and smoking, and to explore its characteristics and evolutionary laws. Methods: In November 2020, using PubMed, Web of Science, SinoMed, and CNKI as search databases, literature search was performed using Chinese and English search terms related to pneumoconiosis and smoking. The document management software Note Express 3.5.0 and the bibliometric analysis software VOS viewer 1.6.10 were used to analyze the publication year, number of publications, countries, research institutions and keywords. Results: In the English literature, there were 938 articles about pneumoconiosis and smoking related research, and the literature was first published in 1962. Among them, the United States published the largest number of articles (450 articles), and China published 29 articles, ranking fourth. There were a total of 601 research articles on pneumoconiosis and smoking in Chinese literature. The literature was first published in 1976. The institution that published the most articles was China Medical University (23 articles), followed by Lanzhou University (15 articles). Keyword co-occurrence analysis showed that domestic and foreign literatures were the main research hotspots on occupational exposure, carcinogenicity, risk factors, lung function, and DNA damage of pneumoconiosis and smoking. Conclusion: The research on pneumoconiosis and smoking focuses on carcinogenicity, risk factors, lung function, DNA damage mechanism, etc., providing research hotspots for the prevention and clinical treatment of related diseases.

[Eukaryotic expression of human Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) promotes the proliferation and migration of human HepG2 cells]

Objective To establish the eukaryotic expression vector of Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) with FLAG-tagged and transfect it into hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells to identify the effects of YB-1 on the proliferation and migration. Methods Human YB-1 gene was amplified from the human ovary library by PCR. YB-1 fraction was double enzyme digested and connected with pcDNA3.0-FLAG vector to construct eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0-FlAG-YB-1, which was transfected into HepG2 cells. The expression of YB-1 was detected by Western blotting, and the effect of YB-1 on the proliferation of HepG2 cells was determined by CCK-8 assay and clone formation. The effect of YB-1 on the migration of HepG2 cells was analyzed by wound healing assays. Results The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0-FLAG-YB-1 was successfully established. YB-1 protein can be expressed in HepG2 cells, and YB-1 promoted the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. Conclusion YB-1 promotes the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells.

[Research progress of occupational and environmental exposure and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]

Occupational and environmental exposure can directly cause specific lung diseases, and can also induce autoimmune diseases that can lead to various types of interstitial lung diseases. In recent years, it was discovered that certain occupational and environmental exposure was related to the increased risk of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) disease and progression, including metal and mineral dust, wood dust, organic dust, asbestos dust, silica dust, cigarette smoke and air pollution. IPF is a chronic progressive fibrotic lung disease of unknown etiology, with a characteristic imaging and histologic pattern called usual interstitial pneumonia. This article is a review based on the correlation and mechanism of occupational and environmental exposure in the pathogenesis and disease progression of IPF to improve the understanding of the disease and promote the formulation of treatment plans.

Transcriptional Repression of Aerobic Glycolysis by OVOL2 in Breast Cancer

Aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), a hallmark of cancer, plays a critical role in cancer cell growth and metastasis; however, direct inhibition of the Warburg effect remains largely unknown. Herein, the transcription factor OVO-like zinc finger 2 (OVOL2) is demonstrated to directly repress the expression of several glycolytic genes, blocking the Warburg effect and breast tumor growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. OVOL2 inhibits glycolysis by recruiting the nuclear receptor co-repressor (NCoR) and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3). The tumor suppressor p53, a key regulator of cancer metabolism, activates OVOL2 by binding to the oncoprotein mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) and inhibiting MDM2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of OVOL2. OVOL2 expression is negatively correlated with glycolytic gene expression and can be a good predictor of prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, targeting the p53/MDM2/OVOL2 axis provides a potential avenue for cancer treatment, especially breast cancer.

[Prevalence and risk factors of silicosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To explore the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in silicosis patients. Methods: In May 2021, a cross-sectional study was used to retrospectively include 329 silicosis patients first diagnosed in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2020. The demographic data, occupational history, chest imaging, pulmonary function and blood routine indicators of silicosis patients with COPD were analyzed, and the risk factors of silicosis with COPD were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Results: There were 128 patients with silicosis complicated with COPD, and the overall prevalence rate was 38.9% (128/329) . Among them, 73.4% (94/128) were male and 33.6% (43/128) were heavy smokers; 33.6% (43/128) of patients were classified as gold 1, 37.5% (48/128) as gold 2, 25.0% (32/128) as gold 3, and 3.9% (5/128) as gold 4. Diagnostic age (OR=1.04, 95%CI=1.02~1.06, P<0.001) , cumulative smoking (OR=1.03, 95%CI=1.01~1.05, P=0.008) and silicosis stage III (OR=7.06, 95% CI=4.00-12.46, P<0.001) were risk factors for silicosis complicated with COPD. Conclusion: Diagnostic age, cumulative smoking volume and third stage of silicosis are the risk factors of silicosis patients with different degrees of COPD, which should be paid attention to in clinical treatment.

Interaction between BEND5 and RBPJ suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis via inhibiting Notch signaling

High frequent metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer (BC) mortality among women. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying BC metastasis remain largely unknown. Here, we identified six hub BC metastasis driver genes (BEND5, HSD11B1, NEDD9, SAA2, SH2D2A and TNFSF4) through bioinformatics analysis, among which BEND5 is the most significant gene. Low BEND5 expression predicted advanced stage and shorter overall survival in BC patients. Functional experiments showed that BEND5 could suppress BC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BEND5 inhibits Notch signaling via directly interacting with transcription factor RBPJ/CSL. BEN domain of BEND5 interacts with the N-terminal domain (NTD) domain of RBPJ, thus preventing mastermind like transcriptional coactivator (MAML) from forming a transcription activation complex with RBPJ. Our study provides a novel insight into regulatory mechanisms underlying Notch signaling and suggests that BEND5 may become a promising target for BC therapy.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging as a quantitative tool for evaluating disease activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

AIM

To determine the correlations between four quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters derived from intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted images (IVIM DWI) and the semi-quantitative Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) score of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and five clinical activity indices in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

AND METHODS

A total of 75 patients with axSpA and complete clinical activity indices and SIJ MRI were enrolled to this prospective study. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between MRI parameters and clinical activity indices after controlling for confounders. All data were further analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficients (r).

RESULTS

Only pure diffusion coefficient (D) and incoherent perfusion related microcirculation (D∗) were found to be independently positively correlated with several clinical activity indices (all p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between D and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Patient Global Assessment (PGA), extent of influence of pain, with r of 0.605, 0.402, 0.319, and 0.485 (all p<0.0125). D∗ correlated positively with BASDAI, BASFI, and PGA (r=0.436, 0.356, 0.301, respectively; all p<0.0125).

CONCLUSION

D and D∗ derived from IVIM DWI could be associated with some disease activity indices in patients with axSpA; apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and SPARCC scores were not correlated with these indices. IVIM DWI may be a useful tool for the quantitative assessment of disease activity in patients with axSpA.

Lactate Dehydrogenase B Is Required for Pancreatic Cancer Cell Immortalization Through Activation of Telomerase Activity

Telomerase activity is elevated in most cancer cells and is required for telomere length maintenance and immortalization of cancer cells. Glucose metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and accompanied with increased expression of key metabolic enzymes. Whether these enzymes influence telomerase activity and cell immortalization remains unclear. In the current study, we screened metabolic enzymes using telomerase activity assay and identified lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) as a regulator of telomerase activity. Sodium lactate and sodium pyruvate did not influence telomerase activity, indicating LDHB regulates telomerase activity independent of its metabolism regulating function. Further studies revealed that LDHB directly interacted with TERT and regulated the interaction between TERT and TERC. Additionally, long-term knockdown of LDHB inhibited cancer cell growth and induced cell senescence in vitro and in vivo. Higher LDHB expression was detected in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues and expression of LDHB correlated negatively with prognosis. Thus, we identified LDHB as the first glucose metabolic enzyme contributing to telomerase activity and pancreatic cancer cell immortalization.

[Risk factors for syncope in children with severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension]

Objective: To explore the risk factors for syncope in children with severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Methods: Forty-four patients (age<18 years) with IPAH admitted to the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital between May 2011 and October 2021 were retrospectively included. Patients were devided into syncope group and non-syncope group. Clinical manifestation and hemodynamic parameters including echocardiography, blood tests, right heart catheterization and acute pulmonary vascular expansion test were compared between two groups. Comparisons between groups were performed with unpaired Student t test, or Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for parameters with statistically significant differences between groups and analyze the statistical correlation. Results: Among the 44 patients, 16 were males, the onset age was (7.2±3.9) years. Twenty-four (55%) children presented with 1 to 11 times of episodes of syncope, and 18 cases of whom induced by physical activity. Syncope group had a larger proportion of New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function class Ⅲ-Ⅳ (67% (16/24) vs. 25% (5/20), χ²=7.59, P=0.006), higher brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) value ((251±39) vs. (61±40) pg/L, t=-2.18, P=0.035), higher pulmonary-to-aorta diameter ratio (1.6±0.4 vs. 1.4±0.2, t=-2.25, P=0.030) and larger pulmonary vascular resistance index ((22±11) vs. (16±7) WU/m², t=-2.13, P=0.039) compared with non-syncope group. The proportion of patent foramen ovale (4% (1/24) vs. 45% (9/20), χ²=10.36, P=0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ((68±5)% vs. (72±8)%, t=2.23, P=0.031) and the positive rate of acute pulmonary vascular expansion test (8% (2/24) vs. 35% (7/20), χ²=4.77, P=0.029) of syncope group were significantly lower than those of non-syncope group. Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that NYHA heart function Ⅲ-Ⅳ (OR=6.787, 95%CI 1.445-31.880), pulmonary vascular resistance index (OR=1.247, 95%CI 1.020-1.525) and BNP (OR=1.036, 95%CI 1.007-1.066) were independent risk factors for syncope. The patent foramen ovale (OR=0.010, 95%CI 0.000-0.586) was a protective factor for syncope. Conclusions: NYHA cardiac function grade, pulmonary vascular resistance index and BNP are independent risk factors for syncope. Patent foramen ovale is a protective factor for syncope. Exercise is the main inducement of syncope in children with IPAH.

USP18 reduces paclitaxol sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer via autophagy

Paclitaxol is a first-line treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The molecular mechanisms underlying paclitaxol resistance in TNBC remain largely unclear. In this study, differential expressed genes (DEGs) between TNBC cells and paclitaxol-resistant (taxol-R) TNBC cells were screened by bioinformatics analysis. Among these DEGs, USP18 mRNA expression was significantly increased in taxol-R TNBC cells. USP18 overexpression reduced paclitaxol sensitivity by decreasing paclitaxol-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in TNBC cells. In contrast, USP18 knockdown increased paclitaxol mediated anticancer activity in taxol-R TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, USP18 induced autophagy, an important pathway in chemotherapy resistance. The autophagy inhibitor leupeptin could effectively reverse the effect of USP18 on paclitaxol resistance phenotype. These findings suggested that USP18 may be a promising target for overcoming paclitaxol resistance in TNBC.

Brain functional changes in individuals with bulimia nervosa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder with high health and socioeconomic burdens that typically arises in late adolescence and early adulthood. Previous neuroimaging studies have found functional brain changes in patients with BN. This study aims to review the latest neurobiological evidence from studies of individuals with BN, examine the consistency of these findings and evaluate the food addiction hypothesis of the disease.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search will be performed using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to 30 November 2021. Two researchers will be responsible for study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. The anisotropic effect size version of the signed differential mapping method will be used to conduct a coordinate-based meta-analysis. Publication bias will be examined with the Egger test. The quality of studies will be evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethics approval is required for this is a systematic review protocol and does not require the collection of primary data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal or related conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022307233.

[Chest high-resolution CT features analysis in predicting the progression of asbestosis]

Objective: To analyze the radiological characteristics of chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of patients with asbestosis, and to investigate the signs of predicting the disease progression of asbestosis. Methods: A prospective method was used to enroll 68 patients with asbestosis who were regularly followed up from 2013 to 2016. The radiological characteristics of patients with asbestosis were described by the International Classification of HRCT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases (ICOERD) , and the differences between patients with and without progression were compared during the observation period. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the chest HRCT radiological signs predicting the progression of asbestosis. Results: The study included 68 patients with asbestosis aged (65.5±7.8) years old, of which 64.7% (44/68) were female, 29.4% (20/68) had a history of smoking. There was no significant difference in age, sex, smoking and asbestos exposure between patients with progressive asbestosis (20.6%, 14/68) and patients without progressive asbestosis (79.4%, 54/68) (P>0.05) . Chest HRCT of patients with asbestosis showed irregular and/or linear opacities, of which 5.9% (4/68) were accompanied by honeycombing. Irregular and/or linear opacities were mainly lower lung preponderant, often accompanied with ground glass opacity and mosaic perfusion. 98.5% (67/68) had pleural abnormalities, of which 39.7% (27/68) had diffuse pleural thickening with parenchymal bands and/or rounded atelectasis. The analysis of multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression showed that the risk of the progression of asbestosis was increased with higher irregular and/or linears opacities cores (HR=1.184, 95%CI: 1.012-1.384, P=0.034) and the appearance of honeycombing (HR=6.488, 95%CI: 1.447-29.097, P=0.015) . Conclusion: The irregular and/or linear opacities scores and honeycombing on chest HRCT are independent influencing factors for predicting the disease progression of asbestosis.

[Current trends in research on occupational benzene poisoning: a bibliometric and visual analysis]

Objective: To analyze the research trends of benzene poisoning in recent years, to highlight the relevant research hotspots and prospects through bibliometrics. Methods: In August 2020, used "benzene" methylbenzere as key words, publications were retrieved from the PubMed, the Web of Science Core Collection database, SinoMed and CNKI before August 31, 2020. Describing the publication time, the number of the published research, publication countries, research institutions and journals. VOSviewer 1.6.10 were used to evaluate and co-occurrence analyze the keywords of the researches. Results: There were 510 English literatures about benzene poisoning. 43 countries had published relevant literatures. The United States had the largest number of articles (43.92%, 224/510) in this field, and China ranked second (11.57%, 59/510) . Relevant results had been published in 257 English journals. The most widely published journal was Environmental Health Perspectives (4.90%, 25/510) . There were 536 Chinese literatures. 368 research institutions had published relevant literatures. The first one was Shenzhen Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital (3.36%, 18/536) , followed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (3.17%, 17/536) . A total of 170 journals had published relevant research results. The most frequently published journal is Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases (12.13%, 65/536) . Key words co-occurrence analysis indicated that the domestic and foreign literatures paid more attention to occupational exposure, blood toxicity, myelosuppression, genetic polymorphism and so on. Conclusion: Domestic and foreign researches on benzene poisoning are mostly in China and the United States. In recent years, the research has gradually focused on the related mechanism of benzene poisoning, such as blood toxicity, carcinogenicity, genotoxicity and immunotoxicity.

[Mini-incision with endoscope-assisted surgery for bilateral congenital second branchial cleft fistula and a pedigree report]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of mini-incision with endoscope-assisted resection for bilateral congenital second branchial cleft fistula, and to report on a rare pedigree. Methods: The clinical data of 5 patients with bilateral congenital second branchial fistula admitted in Fujian Provincial Hospital from April 2007 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, including 2 males and 3 females, aged from 3 to 31 years old. The surgical strateges and clinical experience of single mini-incision with endoscope-assisted fistulectomy were summarized, and a rare pedigree was reported. Results: In five patients, Case 1 to Case 4 were treated with bilateral endoscopic-assisted fistula high ligation with titanium clips and removal through a single small incision under general anesthesia. No obvious complications occurred after the operation. The patients were followed up for 40-164 months with no fistula recurrence. Case 5 gave up surgical resection and was followed up for 24 months with acute infection attack once. Case 2 and Case 4 came from the same family. In this family, 7 out of 31 members of four generations had second branchial cleft fistulas, of which 4 were bilateral and 3 were right. Pedigree analysis was consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. No deafness, preauricular tag, external and middle ear deformity and kidney malformation were found in the family members. Conclusions: Bilateral congenital second branchial cleft fistula is rare. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment. Mini-incision with endoscopic-assisted fistula high ligation with titanium clip and resection has clear operative field, ideal cosmetic effect and definite curative effect.

Successful use of tofacitinib in epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa

This case report describes 26-year-old woman who had multiple clusters of pale-pink lichenoid papules since childhood and the accompanying itching was intense. Skin biopsy revealed obvious fissures had formed under the epidermis. The patient was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa and was successfully treated with tofacitinib.

[Efficacy of the XEN gel stent on intraocular pressure lowering in glaucoma patients]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the XEN gel implant in the treatment of glaucoma. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Eight patients (8 eyes) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2020 to September 2020 were included, including six males and two females, aged 29 to 74 years. The patients treated with the XEN gel implanting for glaucoma. After detailed ophthalmic examination, all the patients met the surgical indications for the XEN gel implanting. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior segment and fundus examination results, medication, and surgical complications were evaluated. Results: There were seven patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and one patient with glaucomatocyclitic syndrome. Five patients had received anti-glaucoma surgeries, and the remaining three patients had not received surgical treatment. All XEN gel stents were implanted successfully. All patients were followed up for 4 to 12 months. The preoperative maximum IOP ranged from 11 to 44 mmHg (median, 28 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and the IOP was 10 to 18 mmHg (median, 13 mmHg) at the last follow-up. Two to 4 types of medication were used for glaucoma preoperatively (median, 3), while 0 to 2 types (median, 0) were used at the last follow-up. During the follow-up, 7 cases were completely successful and only one case failed. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in two patients, and after effective treatment, the IOP decreased to below 20 mmHg. One patient was found to have an increased IOP with the XEN luminal obstruction, and the XEN drainage tube was recanalized. The IOP was about 10 mmHg at the last follow-up, and no anti-glaucoma drugs were used, but the surgery was assessed as failure by standard. The remaining patients had no other serious complications. Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that the XEN gel drainage may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with glaucoma. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 679-684).

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica with a combination of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and metagenomics next-generation sequencing

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early and accurate diagnosis is vital in cerebral nocardiosis, a very rare and infectious disease associated with a high mortality rate. Herein, we report a case that a patient with brain abscess was swiftly diagnosed and successfully treated.

METHODS

We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with a brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica, diagnosed by a combination of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

RESULTS

A 61-year-old woman with left breast cancer resection, diabetes mellitus and a 7-month discontinuous cough and fever was admitted to our hospital. On the third day of hospitalization, she experienced a sudden loss of consciousness and was diagnosed with a brain abscess and a pathological change in cerebral mass on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the failure of culturing any microorganisms from the pup, the dissected sample from the patient with Ziehl-Neelsen staining tested positive for acid-fast bacilli and was subjected to mNGS. The pathogen was identified as N. asiatica and the patient was treated accordingly with linezolid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole until complete recovery was confirmed by the follow-up cerebral MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first case report of a brain abscess caused by N. asiatica being swiftly diagnosed by a combination of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and mNGS. This rapid diagnosis allowed us to successfully treat this rare infection.

MiR-4310 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis through lipid synthesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is characterized by reprogrammed lipid metabolism, is a highly malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate. While lipid metabolism is a promising target for HCC therapy, the regulation of lipid metabolism is not well elucidated. Through CRISPR/Cas9 screening, we show that miR-4310 inhibits lipid synthesis by targeting fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1). In patients with HCC, miR-4310 is significantly downregulated, and its expression is negatively correlated with expressions of FASN and SCD1. Furthermore, low expression of miR-4310 is associated with poor prognosis. By suppressing SCD1-and FASN-mediated lipid synthesis, miR-4310 inhibits HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppresses HCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Our data indicate that miR-4310 plays an important role in HCC tumor growth and metastasis by regulating the FASN- and SCD1-mediated lipid synthesis pathways. Targeting the miR-4310-FASN/SCD pathway may provide a novel strategy for HCC treatment.

RHOV promotes lung adenocarcinoma cell growth and metastasis through JNK/c-Jun pathway

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common type of lung cancer with high frequent metastasis and a high death rate. However, genes responsible for LUAD metastasis are still largely unknown. Here, we identify an important role of ras homolog family member V (RHOV) in LUAD metastasis using a combination of bioinformatic analysis and functional experiments. Bioinformatic analysis shows five hub LUAD metastasis driver genes (RHOV, ZIC5, CYP4B1, GPR18 and TCP10L2), among which RHOV is the most significant gene associated with LUAD metastasis. High RHOV expression predicted shorter overall survival in LUAD patients. RHOV overexpression promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells, whereas RHOV knockdown inhibits these biological behaviors. Moreover, knockdown of RHOV suppresses LUAD tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistically, RHOV activates Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK)/c-Jun signalling pathway, an important pathway in lung cancer development and progression, and regulates the expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process involved in cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis. RHOV-induced malignant biological behaviors are inhibited by pyrazolanthrone, a JNK inhibitor. Our findings indicate a critical role of RHOV in LUAD metastasis and may provide a biomarker for prognostic prediction and a target for LUAD therapy.

Nonradioactive direct telomerase activity detection using biotin-labeled primers

Background

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme responsible for maintenance of telomere length which expressed in more than 85% of cancer cells but undetectable in most normal tissue cells. Therefore, telomerase serves as a diagnostic marker of cancers. Two commonly used telomerase activity detection methods, the telomerase repeated amplification protocol (TRAP) and the direct telomerase assay (DTA), have disadvantages that mainly arise from reliance on PCR amplification or the use of an isotope. A safe, low‐cost and reliable telomerase activity detection method is still lacking.

Method

We modified DTA method using biotin‐labeled primers (Biotin‐DTA) and optimized the method by adjusting cell culture temperature and KCl concentration. The sensitivity of the method was confirmed to detect endogenous telomerase activity. The reliability was verified by detection of telomerase activity of published telomerase regulators. The stability was confirmed by comparing the method with TRAP method.

Results

Cells cultured in 32°C and KCl concentration at 200 mM or 250 mM resulted in robust Biotin‐DTA signal. Endogenous telomerase activity can be detected, which suggested an similar sensitivity as DTA using radioactive isotope markers. Knockdown of telomerase assembly regulator PES1 and DKC1 efficiently reduced telomerase activity. Compared with TRAP method, Biotin‐DTA assay offers greater signal stability over a range of analyte protein amounts.

Conclusion

Biotin‐labeled, PCR‐free, and nonradioactive direct telomerase assay is a promising new method for the easy, low‐cost, and quantitative detection of telomerase activity.

[Asbestos exposure and asbestos-related malignant diseases:an epidemiological review]

Asbestos has high fire resistance, electrical insulation and thermal insulation. It is an important fire prevention, insulation and insulation material. It is widely used in industrial production and daily life. In 1987, the international agency for research on cancer (IARC) has listed asbestos as a class I carcinogen; in 2012, IARC confirmed that all types of asbestos have carcinogenic effect. By 2019, asbestos has been banned in 66 countries and regions around the world. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of human malignant tumor. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are known asbestos induced tumors. Epidemiological studies also support that asbestos exposure is related to the incidence of malignant tumors in reproductive system, digestive system, urinary system, nasopharynx head and neck. We summarized the epidemiological studies of asbestos induced tumors in order to provide reference for further research.

[A case of Hemolytic anemia caused by subacute lead poisoning]

Lead poisoning is characterized by nervous, digestive and blood system damage, such as neurasthenia, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, jaundice, small cell hypochromic anemia and so on. A case of severe hemolytic anemia caused by subacute lead poisoning was treated in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University. The main symptoms of the patient were abdominal colic, constipation and hemolytic anemia.

[Research progress of silica-associated autoimmune diseases]

Silicosis is caused by long-term exposure to dust containing crystalline silica. However, silica exposure, which may lead to autoimmune dysfunction, is associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and anti-central granulocyte cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis. With silica exposure autoimmune diseases may exist with or without silicosis. This article reviews recent research on silica-associated autoimmune diseases such as the concept, epidemiology, clinical characteristics and potential mechanisms to improve the understanding of the disease and promote the formulation of diagnostic criteria and treatment plans.

[A concise review of telomere and telomerase-related genetic markers in fibrotic lung diseases]

Fibrotic lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases caused by various factors. Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the common pathological changes of advanced fibrotic lung diseases. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibrotic lung disorder with unknown etiology. IPF mainly affects the elderly that is considered as an aging related disease. Telomeres are specialized structures at the ends of chromosomes. Telomere shortening results in cellular senescence or apoptosis. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex that maintains telomere length and genome stability. The telomere shortening and mutations in telomere-related genes are associated with incidence and prognosis of pulmonary fibrosis. Here, a concise review of telomere and telomerase-related genomic markers in IPF and other fibrotic lung diseases is written.