Robotic versus laparoscopic left colectomy with complete mesocolic excision for left-sided colon cancer: a multicentre study with propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Robotic surgery for right-sided colon and rectal cancer has rapidly increased; however, there is limited evidence in the literature of advantages of robotic left colectomy (RLC) for left-sided colon cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of RLC versus laparoscopic left colectomy (LLC) with complete mesocolic excision (CME) for left-sided colon cancer.

METHODS

Patients who had RLC or LLC with CME for left-sided colon cancer at 5 hospitals in China between January 2014 and April 2022 were included. A one-to-one propensity score matched analysis was performed to decrease confounding. The primary outcome was postoperative complications occurring within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival, overall survival and the number of harvested lymph nodes.

RESULTS

A total of 292 patients (187 males; median age 61.0 [20.0-85.0] years) were eligible for this study, and propensity score matching yielded 102 patients in each group. The clinical-pathological characteristics were well-matched between groups. The two groups did not differ in estimated blood loss, conversion to open rate, time to first flatus, reoperation rate, or postoperative length of hospital stay (p > 0.05). RLC was associated with a longer operation time (192.9 ± 53.2 vs. 168.9 ± 52.8 minutes, p=0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ between the RLC and LLC groups (18.6% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.856). The total number of lymph nodes harvested in the RLC group was higher than that in the LLC group (15.7 ± 8.3 vs. 12.1 ± 5.9, p< 0.001). There were no significant differences in 3-year and 5-year overall survival or 3-year and 5-year disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to laparoscopic surgery, RLC with CME for left-sided colon cancer was found to be associated with higher numbers of lymph nodes harvested and similar postoperative complications and long-term survival outcomes.

Novel insights into heat tolerance using metabolomic and high-throughput sequencing analysis in dairy cows rumen fluid

Heat stress influences rumen fermentative processes with effects on the physiology and production of dairy cows. However, the underlying relationship between rumen microbiota and its associated metabolism with heat tolerance in cows have not been extensively described yet. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate differential heat resistance in Holstein cows using rumen bacterial and metabolome analyses. We performed both principal component analysis and membership function analysis to select seven heat-tolerant (HT) and seven heat-sensitive (HS) cows. Under heat stress conditions, the HT cows had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher propionic acid content than the HS cows; while measures of the respiratory rate, acetic, and butyric acid in the HT cows were significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with the HS cows. Also, the HT cows showed lower (P < 0.01) rectal temperature and acetic acid to propionic acid ratio than the HS group of cows. Omics sequencing revealed that the relative abundances of Muribaculaceae, Rikenellaceae, Acidaminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Succiniclasticum, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the HT cows; whereas Prevotellaceae, Prevotella_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, and Shuttleworthia were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in HT cows compared to HS cows. Substances mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, including glycerol, mannitol, and maltose, showed significantly higher content in the HT cows (P < 0.05) compared to that in the HS cows. Simultaneously, distinct metabolites were significantly correlated with differential bacteria, suggesting that glycerol, mannitol, and maltose could serve as potential biomarkers for determining heat resistance that require further study. Overall, distinct changes in the rumen microbiota and metabolomics in the HT cows may be associated with a better adaptability to heat stress. These findings suggest their use as diagnostic tools of heat tolerance in dairy cattle breeding schemes.

Clinical Evidence of Chemotherapy or Endocrine Therapy Maintenance in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Meta-analysis from Randomized Clinical Trials and Propensity Score Matching of Multicentre Cohort Study

Purpose

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy or endocrine therapy maintenance in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients.

Materials and Methods

The meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and propensity score matching of multicenter cohort study evaluated MBC patients who underwent first-line chemotherapy or endocrine therapy maintenance. This study is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42017071858 and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04258163.

Results

A total of 2,867 patients from 15 RCTs and 760 patients from multicenter cohort were included. The results from meta-analysis showed that chemotherapy maintenance improved progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.73; p < 0.001; moderate-quality evidence) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.87; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97; p=0.016; high-quality evidence) than observation. In the cohort study, for hormone receptor–positive MBC patients, chemotherapy maintenance improved PFS (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.85; p < 0.001) and OS (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.73; p < 0.001) compared with observation, and endocrine therapy maintenance also improved PFS (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.80; p < 0.001) and OS (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.69; p < 0.001). There were no differences between chemotherapy and endocrine therapy maintenance in PFS and OS (all p > 0.05). Regardless of the continuum or switch maintenance therapy, showed prolonged survival in MBC patients who were response to first-line treatment.

Conclusion

This study provided evidences for survival benefits of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy maintenance in MBC patients, and there was no difference efficacy between chemotherapy and endocrine therapy maintenance for hormone receptor–positive patients.

The factors involved in the induction of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin overexpression in renal tubular epithelial cells under endoplasmic reticulum stress

Our previous work found that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) expression increases when endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) occurs in human kidney-2 (HK-2) tubular epithelial cells. However, the reason for this is not yet known. This study investigated the factors involved when inducing NGAL overexpression in HK-2 cells during ERS. The cells were divided into six groups: the control group (normal HK-2 cells), the ERS group (HK-2 cells cultured in complete medium with thapsigargin (TG)), the transfection group (HK-2 cells transfected with activating transcription factor 4 small interfering ribonucleic acid (ATF4 siRNA), the ERS after transfection group (HK-2 cells transfected with ATF4 siRNA, then cultured in complete medium with TG), the negative control group (HK-2 cells transfected with siRNA-negative contrast), and the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group (HK-2 cells cultured in complete medium with DMSO). Western blot and a real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to measure the expression of protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). As a result NGAL, ATF4, C/EBP homologous protein, glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa, ATF4 mRNA, and NGAL mRNA were clearly overexpressed in the ERS group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The expression of NGAL and ATF4 were similar in the control group, the negative control group, and the DMSO group (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, ATF4, NGAL, ATF4 mRNA, and NGAL mRNA in the ERS after transfection group were significantly lower compared with the ERS group (p < 0.05), which showed that NGAL was affected by ATF4. There was a close correlation between NGAL and ATF4; when the expression of ATF4 was inhibited, NGAL was significantly lower. Therefore, ATF4 may be one of the upstream regulators of NGAL.

POS0761 INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECT AND MECHANISM OF ABNORMALLY ACTIVATED CD8+ T CELLS FROM BONE MARROW ON HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by the abnormal function of lymphocytes. The impairment of hematopoietic function of bone marrow participates in its pathogenesis, in which T cells play an important role. However, study on bone marrow T cells in SLE patients is very limited.

Objectives:

This study aims to characterize the phenotype and molecular characteristics of abnormally activated CD8+T cells in bone marrow of SLE patients and explore the mechanism of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reduction caused by the abnormally activated CD8+T cells in bone marrow of patients with SLE.

Methods:

A total of 8 SLE patients and 5 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited in our study. Among them, 3 SLE patients and 4 donors were collected bone marrow and peripheral blood samples for Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional studies. BM and peripheral T cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Plasma cytokines and secreted immunoglobulins were detected by Luminex. Disease activity of SLE patients was measured using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). All analyses were performed using R language and Flowjo 9.

Results:

In the present study, SLE patients had increased CD8+T%αβT cells and decreased CD4+T%αβT cells in bone marrow of SLE, compared to healthy controls. A large number of CD38+HLADR+CD8+T cells existed in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of SLE patients. Those patients also showed reduced number of HSCs, and with a downward trend of the numbers of peripheral red blood cells, white blood cells, neutrophils, hemoglobin, and platelets. By scRNA-seq, the CD38+HLADR+CD8+T cells contained high levels of GZMK, GZMA, PRF1, IFNG, and TNF in the bone marrow of SLE patients. the CD38+HLADR+CD8+T cells exhibited significant relationship with HSCs, white blood cells, neutrophils, and platelets.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrated that the abnormally activated CD8+T cells in bone marrow can reduce the number of HSCs by the expression of killer molecules, which contributes to the impairment of hematopoietic function and the development of SLE. This project focuses on the specific bone marrow T cell subset in SLE. The completement of this project provides information for exploring the mechanism of hematopoiesis involvement.

References:

[1]Anderson E, Shah B, Davidson A, Furie R. Lessons learned from bone marrow failure in systemic lupus erythematosus: Case reports and review of the literature. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2018;48(1):90-104.

[2]Sun LY, Zhou KX, Feng XB, Zhang HY, Ding XQ, Jin O, Lu LW, Lau CS, Hou YY, Fan LM. Abnormal surface markers expression on bone marrow CD34+cells and correlation with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol. 2007;26(12):2073-2079.

Acknowledgements:

We want to thank Lu Meng, Teng Li, Wei Zhou, and Jiaxin Guo for their assistance with this study.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Effects of the circadian rhythm on milk composition in dairy cows: Does day milk differ from night milk?

Metabolism in most organisms can show variations between the day and night. These variations may also affect the composition of products derived from livestock. The aim of the present study was to investigate the difference in composition between the day milk and night milk of dairy cows. Ten multiparous Holstein cows (milk yield = 25.2 ± 5.00 kg/d) were randomly selected during mid lactation. Milk samples were collected at 0500 h ("night milk") and 1500 h ("day milk") and analyzed to determine their composition. Mid-infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze macronutrient content of milk. Metabolomics and lipidomics were used to detect and analyze small molecules and fatty acids, respectively. An automatic biochemical analyzer and ELISA kits were used to determine biochemical indicators, as well as antioxidant and immune parameters in the milk. Though milk fat, protein, lactose, and total milk solids were not different between day milk and night milk, small molecules, metabolites and lipids, and hormones and cytokines differed between day milk and night milk. Regarding biochemical and immune-related indicators, the concentrations of malondialdehyde, HSP70, and HSP90 in night milk were lower than that in day milk. However, interferon-γ levels were higher in night milk. Additionally, night milk was naturally rich in melatonin. Lipidomics analyses showed that the levels of some lipids in night milk were higher than those in day milk. Metabolomics analyses identified 36 different metabolites between day milk and night milk. Higher concentrations of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, cis-aconitate, and d-sorbitol were observed in day milk. However, the other 33 metabolites analyzed, including carbohydrates, lipids, AA, and aromatic compounds, showed lower concentrations in day milk than in night milk. The present findings show that the composition of night milk differs considerably from that of day milk. Notable changes in the circadian rhythm also altered milk composition. These results provide evidence to support the strategic use and classification of day milk and night milk.

Clinical Evidence for Locoregional Surgery of the Primary Tumor in Patients with De Novo Stage IV Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Whether primary tumor surgery is better than no surgery in patients with de novo stage IV breast cancer remains controversial.

METHODS

This study combined prospective clinical trials and a multicenter cohort to evaluate the impact of locoregional surgery in de novo stage IV breast cancer. The GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of evidence in meta-analysis, and propensity score matching analysis was used in the cohort study. This study was registered with PROSPERO CRD42016043766 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04456855.

RESULTS

A total of 1110 patients from six trials and 353 patients from the cohort study were included. The meta-analysis showed that compared with no surgery, locoregional surgery did not prolong overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.90, P = 0.40; moderate-quality) but had a significantly longer locoregional progression-free survival (HR = 0.23, P < 0.001; moderate-quality). The subgroup analysis of solitary bone-only metastasis (HR = 0.47, P = 0.04; high-quality) resulted in prolonged overall survival. In the cohort study, locoregional surgery showed a survival benefit (HR = 0.63, P = 0.041) before matching, but not (HR = 0.84, P = 0.579) after matching. Patients with bone-only metastasis showed a survival advantage in surgery compared with no surgery before matching (HR = 0.36, P = 0.034) as well as after matching (HR = 0.18, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that locoregional surgery had a significantly longer locoregional progression-free survival than no surgery in de novo stage IV breast cancer, and patients with bone-only metastasis tended to show an overall survival benefit from surgery.

THU0044 SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS OF BONE MARROW AND PERIPHERAL ALTERED B CELL DIFFERENTIATION IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE SLE AND THE MECHANISM OF ABNORMAL EARLY B CELL DEVELOPMENT

Background:

B cell differentiation and dysfunction play a key role in the pathogenesis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Bone marrow (BM) is the development organ of B cells, and also the home and residence place of plasma cells and memory B cells. However, there is a lack of studies on B cells in BM with lupus.

Objectives:

To map the development of BM and peripheral B cells and investigate the mechanism of abnormal early B cell development in SLE.

Methods:

A total of 11 SLE patients and 5 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited.BM and peripheral B cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. sorting-purified B cell subsets were subject toSingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional studies. Plasma cytokines and secreted immunoglobulins were detected by Luminex or ELISA. Disease activity of SLE patients was measured using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).

Results:

In the present study, we find out that the percentage of monocytes in MNC (p=0.070) and plasma cells(p=0.001)in CD19+ were significantly decreased in BM of SLE, compared to healthy controls. While, SLE patients had increased T%MNC(p=0.008) and B%CD19+(p=0.002) in BM that controls. In detail, the B cell subsets of bone marrow in patients with active lupus (SLEDAI≥8 score) were seriously disordered, showing the increasing T%MNC(p=0.049), propre-B%CD19+ (p=0.006)and immature B cell%CD19+ (p=0.010) than healthy donors. propre-B%CD19+ exhibited good relationship with SLEDAI. By integrating single B cell expression profiling and repertoire analysis, we map the development of B cells in BM and peripheral and pathogenic characteristics of early B cells, especially propre-B.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrated that early B cells in BM, especially propre-B are abnormally differentiated with dysregulations. BM is an important organ targeted by SLE. This studyis not only to clarify the internal mechanism of the disorder of differentiation of B cells, but also to provide new clues for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of SLE.

References:

[1]Palanichamy, A., et al.,Neutrophil-mediated IFN activation in the bone marrow alters B cell development in human and murine systemic lupus erythematosus.J Immunol, 2014.192(3): p. 906-18.

[2]Papadaki, H.A., J.C. Marsh, and G.D. Eliopoulos,Bone marrow stem cells and stromal cells in autoimmune cytopenias.Leuk Lymphoma, 2002.43(4): p. 753-60.

[3]Karrar, S. and D.S. Cunninghame Graham,Abnormal B Cell Development in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: What the Genetics Tell Us.Arthritis Rheumatol, 2018.70(4): p. 496-507.

[4]Woods, M., Y.R. Zou, and A. Davidson,Defects in Germinal Center Selection in SLE.Front Immunol, 2015.6: p. 425.

[5]Upregulation of p16INK4A promotes cellular senescence of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients.Cell Signal, 2012.24(12): p. 2307-14.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

The association between gestational diabetes mellitus and cancer in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

AIM

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with greater risk of a variety of cancers. However, the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and risk of cancer has so far not been well addressed. This study aimed to summarize the epidemiological evidence of the association between GDM and subsequent risk of cancer.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies, and a random-effects model was used to calculate the summary relative risks (RRs) along with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 17 observational studies were selected, comprising 7 case-control and 10 cohort studies. Pooled effect estimates retrieved from these 17 studies showed that GDM was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in Asia (pooled RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01-1.70), but not in other regions, and also with thyroid cancer (RR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.16-1.42), stomach cancer (RR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.02-2.00) and liver cancer (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03-1.55). However, GDM was not associated with any increased risk of colon (RR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.90-2.21), colorectal (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.95-1.41), ovarian (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.90-1.44), cervical (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.81-1.29), pancreatic (RR: 3.49, 95% CI: 0.80-15.23), brain and nervous system (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.80-1.97), blood (leukaemia, RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.45-1.30), endometrial (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.20-2.98), skin (RR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.81-1.59) or urological (RR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.73-1.31) cancers.

CONCLUSION

GDM is associated with a greater risk of cancer in women, including breast, thyroid, stomach and liver cancers. However, further investigation is nonetheless warranted.

Progression-free survival at 24 months (PFS24) and subsequent outcome for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) enrolled on randomized clinical trials

Background

Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with first-line anthracycline-based immunochemotherapy and remaining in remission at 2 years have excellent outcomes. This study assessed overall survival (OS) stratified by progression-free survival (PFS) at 24 months (PFS24) using individual patient data from patients with DLBCL enrolled in multi-center, international randomized clinical trials as part of the Surrogate Endpoint for Aggressive Lymphoma (SEAL) Collaboration.

Patients and methods

PFS24 was defined as being alive and PFS24 after study entry. OS from PFS24 was defined as time from identified PFS24 status until death due to any cause. OS was compared with each patient's age-, sex-, and country-matched general population using expected survival and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

Results

A total of 5853 patients enrolled in trials in the SEAL database received rituximab as part of induction therapy and were included in this analysis. The median age was 62 years (range 18-92), and 56% were greater than 60 years of age. At a median follow-up of 4.4 years, 1337 patients (23%) had disease progression, 1489 (25%) had died, and 5101 had sufficient follow-up to evaluate PFS24. A total of 1423 assessable patients failed to achieve PFS24 with a median OS of 7.2 months (95% CI 6.8-8.1) after progression; 5-year OS after progression was 19% and SMR was 32.1 (95% CI 30.0-34.4). A total of 3678 patients achieved PFS24; SMR after achieving PFS24 was 1.22 (95% CI 1.09-1.37). The observed OS versus expected OS at 3, 5, and 7 years after achieving PFS24 was 93.1% versus 94.4%, 87.6% versus 89.5%, and 80.0% versus 83.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients treated with rituximab containing anthracycline-based immunochemotherapy on clinical trials who are alive without progression at 24 months from the onset of initial therapy have excellent outcomes with survival that is marginally lower but clinically indistinguishable from the age-, sex-, and country-matched background population for 7 years after achieving PFS24.

[Clinical observation of the relationship between the newborn hearing screening and ABO blood groups]

Objective:To analyze the relationship between ABO blood groups and otoacoustic emissions in full-term newborns, including the occurrence of SOAE and the amplitudes of DPOAE. Method:A total of eighty normal hearing female neonates were included in the study, with equal number of participants in each of the ABO blood group. Measurements of SOAE and DPOAE were collected from both ears of all participants. Result:The blood group O subjects showed significantly fewer SOAE occurrences and lower DPOAE amplitudes at 793 Hz, 1 257 Hz and 1 587 Hz than subjects with other three blood groups both in the left and right ears. Conclusion:The full-term neonates with blood group O have lower SOAE occurrence than other three blood group individual. The blood group O individuals have the lowest amplitude at 793 Hz, 1 257 Hz and 1 587 Hz of both ears.

[Correlation study of IL-18 expression in HBsAg positive parturients in intrauterine transmission of HBV]

Objective: To investigate the expression of IL-18 in peripheral blood of HBsAg positive parturients in intrauterine transmission of HBV. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 282 HBsAg positive parturients and 43 health parturients (control group) in Northwest Women and Children Hospital of Shaanxi Province. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect five serological makers of hepatitis B, real time PCR was used to detect HBV DNA, and flow liquid chip method was used to detect IL-18 levels in peripheral blood of parturients and newborns. Results: The incidence of dominant HBV infection (DBI), occult HBV infection (OBI) and intrauterine transmission of HBV were 8.42% (24/285), 40.00% (114/285) and 48.42% (138/285), respectively. The level of IL-18 in peripheral blood of HBsAg-negative parturients were significantly lower than those of HBsAg-positive parturients (P=0.001), non-HBV intrauterine transmission (NBIT) group (P=0.001) and OBI group (P<0.001). The level of IL-18 in HBeAg negative group was significantly lower than that in HBeAg positive group (P=0.023). When HBV DNA load was ≥10(3) copies/ml, the level of IL-18 was significantly higher than that in HBsAg-negative group (P<0.01). With the increase of HBV DNA load in maternal blood, the level of IL-18 increased (P=0.024). When HBV DNA load was 10(3)-10(6) copies/ml, the level of IL-18 in DBI group was significantly lower than that in NBIT group (P=0.022), and increased with the increase of HBV DNA load in maternal blood (P=0.016). With the increased severity of intrauterine transmission of HBV, the level of IL-18 in non-hepatitis B vaccine group decreased significantly (P=0.044). The level of IL-18 in non-hepatitis B vaccine group and immunoglobulin injection group was significantly higher than that in NBIT group (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the linear relationship between maternal HBeAg status and maternal IL-18 levels had statistical significance (P=0.01). Conclusions: IL-18 is a higher level balance regulator of Th1/Th2 immune network. Monitoring the level of IL-18 in HBsAg-positive parturients can be used not only for predicting the probability of DBI and OBI, but also as an intervention mean, especially for those who are HBeAg-positive and had HBV DNA load ≥10(3) copies/ml, to improve maternal cellular immune function, which is conducive to interrupting intrauterine transmission and providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of HBV intrauterine transmission.

[Effect of IFN-γ and IL-12 expressions on intrauterine transmission in HBsAg-positive parturientsin late pregnancy]

Objective: To investigate the influence of IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in prenatal peripheral blood of HBsAg-positive parturients on intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 282 HBsAg positive parturients and 43 health parturients (control group) in Northwest Women and Children Hospital of Shaanxi Province. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect five serological makers of hepatitis B in peripheral blood of parturients. HBV DNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Detection of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12 levels were conducted with liquid chip-based flow cytometry method. The serum levels of five serological markers of hepatitis B and HBV DNA in 285 newborns were detected within 24 hours after birth. Results: The incidence of intrauterine dominant infection (DBI), occult infection (OBI) and intrauterine transmission of HBV in HBsAg positive parturients were 7.37% (21/285), 40.70% (116/285) and 48.07% (137/285), respectively. The level of IFN-γ in peripheral blood of HBsAg-negative parturients was significantly lower than those of HBsAg-positive parturients (t=-2.55, P=0.011), NBIT group (t=-2.54, P=0.012) and OBI group (t=-2.33, P=0.021). In HBV DNA load of 10(3)-10(6) copies/ml group, the levels of IFN-γ in the DBI group were significantly lower than those in OBI group and NBIT group (P<0.01). The level of IFN-γ in maternal peripheral blood decreased significantly with the increased severity of intrauterine transmission of HBV (χ(2)=6.40, P=0.041). In the antiviral treatment group, the level of IL-12 in maternal peripheral blood decreased significantly with the increased severity of intrauterine transmission of HBV (χ(2)=8.90, P=0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that there was a significant linear relationship between maternal IFN-γ level and maternal age, placenta previa and hepatitis B vaccine injection (P<0.05). The linear relationship between the level of maternal IL-12 and the mode of rupture and hepatitis B vaccine injection had statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: HBV can stimulate the expression of IFN-γ and inhibit the secretion of IL-12 in pregnant and lying-in women, but the expression of IFN-γ in HBsAg-positive parturients showed intra-group differentiation, and the maternal level of IFN-γ will decrease in HBeAg-positive and high-HBV DNA loadstatus. Increasing the levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 in HBsAg-positive parturients is beneficial to block intrauterine transmission of HBV, especially DBI.

Effectiveness and Safety of Minimally Invasive Orthodontic Tooth Movement Acceleration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Doctors and patients attempt to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement with a minimally invasive surgery approach. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence of accelerated tooth movement in minimally invasive surgery and the adverse effects from it. A systematic search of the literature was performed in the electronic databases of PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Medline and was complemented by a manual search until February 2019. The inclusion criteria were prospective clinical studies of patients treated with a fixed appliance, and the intervention was accelerated orthodontic treatment with minimally invasive surgery. Nineteen articles (538 participants) were included in the review: 9 studies assessed the rate of upper canine movement; 5 considered the treatment time; 1 evaluated the en masse retraction time; and 4 studied adverse effects. We performed a meta-analysis for the rate of canine movement and treatment time and described the results for the adverse effects in a systematic review. The results of the subgroup analysis according to micro-osteoperforation and piezocision were included in the study. No accelerated tooth movement was found in the micro-osteoperforation group. After flapless corticotomy procedures, increased tooth movement rates were identified by weighted mean differences of 0.63 (95%CI = 0.22, 1.03, P = 0.003) and 0.64 (95% CI, −25 to 1.53; P = 0.16) for 1 and 2 mo, respectively. The mean treatment time was 68.42 d (95% CI, −113.19 to −23.65; P = 0.003) less that than for minimally invasive surgery. Moreover, no significant adverse effect was found. Because of the high heterogeneity of the meta-analysis, the results must be validated by additional large-sample multicenter clinical trials. There is not sufficient evidence to support that the single use of micro-osteoperforation could accelerate tooth movement, and there is only low-quality evidence to prove that flapless corticotomy could accelerate tooth movement.

[The application of cattle acelluar dermal matrix xenograft associate with conchoplasty in the open mastoidectomys]

Objective:To study the value of acelluar dermal matrix xenografts associated with conchoplasty in the open mastoidectomy.Method:One hundred and thirty-three cases of chronic otitis media undergoing open mastoidectomy and conchoplasty were enrolled in this study. The effects were analyzed and compared between 70 cases in plastic group repaired by acelluar dermal matrix xenografts and 63 cases in control group.Result:The epithelization time is 28.5d and the dry-ear time is 27.15 d in plastic group. In control group, they were 60.75d and 44.35d respectively. The difference had statistical significanceConclusion:The application of cattle acelluar dermal matrix xenograft associated with conchoplasty in the open mastoidectomy is beneficial to the recovery of the cavity which can shorten mastoid cavity epithelization time, promoting dry ear, reducing postoperative infection and granulation.

[Analysis on HIV-1 subtypes and transmission clusters in newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, 2016]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of distribution on HIV-1 subtypes and the transmission clusters in Yiwu in Zhejiang province. Methods: A cross-sectional study of molecular epidemiology was carried out on newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Yiwu. RNA was extracted from 168 plasma samples, followed by RT-PCR and nest-PCR for pol gene amplification, sequencing, phylogenetic tree construction used for analyzing the subtypes and transmission clusters. Mutations on drug resistance was analyzed by CPR 6.0 online tool. Results: Subjects were mainly males (86.3%, 145/168), with average age as (39.1±13.4) years old and most of them were migrants (66.7%, 112/168). The major routes of transmission included homosexual (51.2%, 86/168) and heterosexual (48.8%, 82/168) contacts. The rate of success for sequence acquisition was 89.9% (151/168). The dominant subtypes showed as CRF01_AE (74, 49.0%) and CRF07_BC (64, 42.4%), followed by CRF08_BC (5, 3.3%), CRF55_01B (3, 2.0%), each case of subtype B, CRF45_cpx, CRF59_01B, CRF85_BC and URF (B/C). CRF45_cpx and CRF85_BC were discovered the first time in Zhejiang province. Twenty-six transmission clusters involving 65 cases were found, with the total clustered rate as 43.0% (65/151), in which the CRF01_AE clustered rate appeared as 54.1% (40/74), higher than that of CRF07_BC (21/64, 32.8%). The average size of cluster was 2.5 cases/cluster, with average size of cluster in CRF01_AE patients infected through heterosexual transmission as the largest (3.5 cases/cluster). The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance was 4.6% (7/151). Seven cases with surveillance drug resistant mutations (SDRM) were found, including 5 cases of M46L (3.3%), and one case of F77L or Y181C. Conclusion: HIV genetic diversity and a variety of transmission clusters had been noticed in this study area (Yiwu). Programs on monitoring the subtypes and transmission clusters should be continued and strengthened.

Comprehensive analyses of the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

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Background: Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is becoming the standard of care for patients and it was approved for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growing at a rapid pace. However, selecting patients who are appropriate for therapy and which therapeutic strategies to use can be challenging. Methods: We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating immune checkpoint inhibitors versus observation in patients with advanced NSCLC until September 2017. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were pooled by meta-analysis. The GRADE system was used to describe the quality of evidence. Results: The analysis included 11 trials with 5,538 unique patients. High- to moderate-quality evidence indicated that immune checkpoint inhibitors extended NSCLC survival and PFS, expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) (OS: 0.79, P = 0.000; PFS: 0.78, P = 0.000). High- to moderate-quality evidence revealed prolonged OS and PFS were similar across preplanned subgroups in patients with squamous (0.77, P = 0.000 and 0.74, P = 0.001) or nonsquamous disease (0.76, P = 0.003 and 0.73, P = 0.041), EGFR wild-type positive status (0.67, P = 0.000 and 0.59, P = 0.010), current or former smokers (OS: 0.83, P = 0.009), and male (0.79, P = 0.000 and 0.67, P = 0.023). Increasing improvement in OS was associated with increasing PD-L1 expression (TC3 or IC3 HR 0.54, P = 0.000; TC2/3 or IC2/3 HR 0.62, P = 0.007; TC1/2/3 or IC1/2/3 HR 0.64, P = 0.000; TC0 and IC0 HR 0.72, P = 0.017; high- to moderate-quality evidence). In exploratory subgroup analysis suggest that there was advantageous of immune checkpoint inhibitors in previous definitive chemotherapy compared with chemoradiotherapy, with concurrent administration of chemotherapy (OS as HR: P = 0.001, P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: This large and comprehensive analysis produced firm evidence that immune checkpoint inhibitors extended advanced NSCLC survival and PFS, while in some patients with EGFR wild-type positive status, current or former smokers, male and higher PD-L1 expression had substantial benefit. The benefits from therapy appear to be influenced by preceding definitive therapy and concurrent chemotherapy.

Efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, and cellular immunotherapies in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

165

Background: Checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines or cellular immunotherapies demonstrated prolonged survival versus placebo or observation in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to clarify the benefits of imunotherapy by a meta-analysis of RCTs data. Methods: We searched for RCTs investigating immunotherapy versus placebo or observation in patients with advanced NSCLC. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated as combined hazard ratios (HRs). The quality of the evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework. Results: Overall, 23 RCTs including a total of 8,956 patients were identified (5,142 patients in the immunotherapy group and 3,814 in the placebo or observation group). High- to moderate-quality evidence indicated that immunotherapy prolonged OS (HR = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75 to 0.84, P < 0.0001) and PFS (HR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.88, P < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, high- to moderate-quality evidence revealed immunotherapy extended NSCLC survival and PFS in tumor vaccines (HR, 0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.92 and 0.86, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.94 for OS and PFS, respectively), checkpoint inhibitors (0.77, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.83 and 0.78, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.90, respectively), maintenance therapy (0.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.83 and 0.78, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.91, respectively), first-line therapy (0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98 and 0.76, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.91, respectively), previous definitive chemotherapy (0.72, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.78 and 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.95, respectively), and concurrent chemotherapy (0.87, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.95 and 0.84, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.91, respectively). There was a benefit of immunotherapy in previous definitive chemotherapy compared with chemoradiotherapy and with concurrent administration of chemotherapy (OS as HR: P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: This analysis provides strong evidence for OS and PFS benefit of immunotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC, particularly in those receiving tumor vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, maintenance and first-line therapy, previous definitive chemotherapy, and with concurrent chemotherapy.

Evaluation of the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma

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Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors selection in advanced melanoma is complicated further, with choices among anti-CTLA4 or anti-PD-1 therapeutic antibodies options. We aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors for discussing evidence-based treatment strategies by a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) data. Methods: We searched for RCTs investigating immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma until September 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) was estimated for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The quality of the evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework. Results: Overall, 18 RCTs including a total of 8,917 patients were identified. Immune checkpoint inhibitors versus placebo or observation prolonged PFS (HR = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44 to 0.78, P < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.84, P < 0.0001). The combination immunotherapy had significantly higher benefit than monotherapy for PFS (HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.92, P = 0.005) and OS (HR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.79, P < 0.0001). Treatment with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody was associated with improved PFS (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.69, P < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.77, P < 0.0001) compared with anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody. According to BRAF status analysis, there was a PFS benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors versus placebo or observation (mutant, HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.96, P = 0.035; wild–type, HR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.69, P = 0.001), anti-PD-1 outperformed anti-CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor (mutant, PFS HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.79, P < 0.0001; wild–type, PFS HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.71, P < 0.0001); and combination compared with single-agent immunotherapy (mutant, HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.98, P = 0.046; wild–type, HR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.69, P = 0.001). Conclusions: This analysis provides an evidence that immune checkpoint inhibitors enhanced OS and PFS in patients with advanced melanoma, as well as combination immunotherapy and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody appear to be clinically beneficial option preference.

Sol-Gel Derived Antibacterial Ag-Containing ZnO Films on Biomedical Titanium

ZnO and Ag-containing ZnO (ZnO/Ag) films with the Ag/Zn molar ratio of 3.3 and 9.1%, respectively were sol-gel coated on biomedical titanium for antibacterial and bioactive surface modification. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that ZnO peaks increase with the calcination temperature of the samples. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive of X-ray analyses reveal Ag-rich white particles (300~750 nm) on ZnO/Ag samples that were calcined at 400 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of ZnO/Ag samples shows that Zn and O exist as ZnO and Ag presents in metallic state. The coating samples exhibit similar UV light-induced hydrophilic conversion behavior. Potentiodynamic polarization test in a Ca-free Hank's balanced solution demonstrates better corrosion resistance of the coating samples compared with the polished sample. In the in vitro bioactivity test using the simulated body fluid, a layer of apatite is gradually deposited on the surface of sample ZnO/9Ag after 12 days of soaking. The MTT assay test shows that ZnO and ZnO/Ag films have weak compatibility with the L929 cells. The antibacterial test against E. Coli by the disk diffusion assay reveals that antibacterial activity of the coating samples increases with silver content of the films.

CCR2- and CCR2+ corneal macrophages exhibit distinct characteristics and balance inflammatory responses after epithelial abrasion

Macrophages are distributed throughout the body and are crucial for the restoration of damaged tissues. However, their characteristics in the cornea and roles in the repair of corneal injures are unclear. Here we show that corneal macrophages can be classified as CCR2^- macrophages, which already exist in the cornea at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and are similar to yolk sac-derived macrophages, microglia, in phenotype and gene expression, and CCR2⁺ macrophages, which do not appear in the cornea until E17.5. At a steady state, CCR2^- corneal macrophages have local proliferation capacity and are rarely affected by monocytes; however, following corneal epithelial abrasion, most CCR2^- corneal macrophages are replaced by monocytes. In contrast, CCR2⁺ macrophages are repopulated by monocytes under both a steady-state condition and following corneal wounding. Depletion of CCR2⁺ macrophages decreases corneal inflammation after epithelial abrasion, whereas depletion of CCR2^- macrophages increases inflammation of the injured cornea. Loss of either cell type results in a delay in corneal healing. These data indicate that there are two unique macrophage populations present in the cornea, both of which participate in corneal wound healing by balancing the inflammatory response.

Locoregional surgery of the primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer patients

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Background: Existing guidelines lack clear recommendations for the role of locoregional treatment for the primary tumor in women with stage IV breast cancer. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of locoregional surgery with no surgery of the primary tumour in stage IV breast cancer patients. Methods: Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of locoregional surgery versus no surgery of the primary tumour in stage IV breast cancer patients. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), measured as hazard ratios (HRs). Secondly outcomes included 2-year and 3-year OS, expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Meta-analyses and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted. Quality was evaluated using the GRADE. Results: Data were included from four RCTs involving 767 participants, including 377 who underwent locoregional surgery and 390 who with no surgery. The median follow-up was 28.6 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.1 to 33.9). In a meta-analysis of these trials, the low-quality evidence indicated that locoregional surgery versus no surgery did not significantly affect OS (HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.29, P = 0.490), 2-year OS (OR = 1.23, 0.66 to 2.30, P = 0.510), or 3-year OS (OR = 1.08, 0.94 to 1.25, P = 0.263). TSA showed that more trials were needed before reliable conclusions could be drawn regarding in both 2-year and 3-year OS. Across the subgroup analysis of OS, we found the moderate-quality evidence that locoregional surgery followed by chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone resulted into a significantly improved survival (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.87, P = 0.004); but no statistically significant difference was identified in term of response to chemotherapy with or without locoregional surgery (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.83–1.36, P = 0.632). Conclusions: The current evidence suggests that locoregional surgery followed by chemotherapy, compared with chemotherapy alone, was beneficial for prolonging OS in patients with stage IV breast cancer, but surgery did not impact OS among patients who have responded to chemotherapy.

Trastuzumab combined with doublet or single-agent chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

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Background: To investigate the efficacy and safety of doublet vs. single-agent chemotherapy (CT) plus trastuzumab as first-line treatments for human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the treatment effects of single-agent or doublet CT+H as first-line therapies for HER2-positive MBC. The main outcome measures for this analysis included the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses (TSA) were conducted. The study quality was evaluated using the GRADE framework. The PROSPERO registry number is CRD42016043766. Results: The results from four RCTs that included 1,044 participants were pooled. Moderate-quality evidence indicated that doublet CT+H better correlated with prolonged PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 0.75, P < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.92, P < 0.0001) than did single-agent CT+H; however, moderate-quality evidence indicated there was no significant difference between the two drug regimens regarding the ORR (relative risk [RR] = 1.07, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.17, P = 0.157), as confirmed by TSA, which indicated that the cumulative Z-curve entered the futility area. There was moderate-quality evidence that the treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicities of thrombocytopenia (RR = 4.08, P = 0.000; number needed to treat to harm (NNTH) = 20), nausea/vomiting (RR = 4.26, P = 0.002; NNTH = 25), diarrhea (RR = 2.81, P = 0.002; NNTH = 25), and stomatitis (RR = 5.02, P= 0.003; NNTH = 25) were more frequent with doublet CT+H than single-agent CT+H. Conclusions: Doublet CT+H is associated with longer PFS and OS than single-agent CT+H when used as a first-line therapy for HER2-positive MBC.

Differential expression of hENT1 and hENT2 in colon cancer cell lines

Human equilibrative nucleoside transporters (hENT) 1 and 2, encoded by SLC29A1 and SLC29A2, permit the bidirectional passage of nucleoside analogues into cells and may correlate with clinical responses to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression profiles of SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 in human cancer cell lines. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we comprehensively profiled the transcription levels of SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 in 16 colon cancer cell lines. We validated the ubiquitous and heterogeneous distribution of SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 in human colon cancer cell lines and demonstrated that SLC29A1 was highly expressed in 25% of metastatic cell lines (Colo201 and Colo205) and 62.5% of primary cell lines (Caco2, Colo320, HCT116, RKO, and SW48). For the first time, we showed that both SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 were expressed at lower levels in colon cancer cell lines originating from metastatic sites than from primary sites. These findings indicate that most patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) may have low hENT1 expression, and treatment with nucleoside analogues may be inefficient. However, some patients still show high hENT1 expression and have a high probability of benefiting from these drugs. Therefore, evaluating transporter expression profiles and different drug responses between primary and metastatic tumors in patients with mCRC is important. Further assessment of the association between hENTs and drug-based treatment of mCRC is required to elucidate the mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance.

Effectiveness of telephone-based interventions on health-related quality of life and prognostic outcomes in breast cancer patients and survivors-A meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of telephone-based interventions on prognostic outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients and survivors. A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, Web of science, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI and CBM database was carried out. Randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of telephone-based intervention versus a control group receiving no telephone intervention, on prognostic outcomes and HRQoL with breast cancer were included. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of telephone-based interventions on anxiety, depression, fatigue, self-efficiency, physiological function, social-domestic function and quality of life. In total, 14 studies involving 2002 participants were included. Due to the effect of telephone-based interventions, statistically significant results were found on anxiety (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.16, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.01, 0.30], p = .04), self-efficiency (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI [-0.34, -0.10], p = .0004), social-domestic function (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI [-0.35, -0.03], p = .02) and quality of life (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.08], p = .02). Although the effects on depression, fatigue and physiological function were in the expected direction, these effects were not statistically significant (p > .05) based on the insufficient evidence.

[Infection of chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter：6 cases report]

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods and prognosis of patients with chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection. Method:Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 6 cases of chronic otitis media complicated with Acinetobacter infection. Including history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, audiology, inner ear, CT, MRI imaging characteristics, treatment and prognosis of etc. to summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection. Result:The age was between 17 years old and 61 years old (Median age 30 years) .Two of them was male and 4 were female. Four cases were had underlying diseases. Five cases with main symptom of cholesteatoma, 1 case with earache symptoms, and 1 case with facial paralysis symptoms. Four cases had vary degrees of physical decline and destruction of bone. After surgery treatment, five patients improved ear pus, among 3 cases was cured, 2 cases of recurrence. Conclusion:Chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection occurs in the patient with elderly, poor physical constitution. However, the recurrence rate of conventional treatment is higher. The disease has high misdiagnosis rate. Operation combined with sensitive antibiotic therapy is a radical cure method.

[Predictor measures on CT for hematoma expansion following acute intracerebral hemorrhage]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the worth of solid predictors in acute intracerebral hematoma(ICH) expansions in computer tomography images.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients with acute ICH in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during January 2012 to February 2015 were enrolled. CT plain scan, CTA within 6 hours since the symptoms and CT plain scan recheck within 24 hours were executed. Hematoma location, initial volume of hematoma, shape of hematoma, "spot sign" , UHG speed were analyzed with single factor and binary Logistic regression between the patients with and without hematoma expansion.

RESULTS

There were 30 cases with hematoma expansion and 75 cases with no hematoma expansion in 105 patients. In single factor comparisons, hematoma location(χ(2) =13.125, P<0.05), hematoma shape(χ(2) =23.987, P<0.05), spot sign(χ(2) =25.846, P<0.05), UHG speed(χ(2) =20.328, P<0.05) and the initial hematoma volume(t=-3.183, P<0.05) between the hematoma expansions and the non-hematoma expansions made significant differences. In binary Logistic regression, hematoma shape(irregular (P=0.033) and cleavage(P=0.009)), spot sign(P=0.000) and UHG speed(P=0.040) had significant differences between the two groups. ROC curve areas of hematoma shape, spot sign and UHG speed were 0.776(95%CI 0.682-0.870), 0.740(95%CI 0.625-0.855) and 0.720(95% CI 0.604-0.836). The high specificities of hematoma shape(84%), spot sign (88%)and UHG speed(84%)revealed their great reliabilities with equal sensitivity (60%).

CONCLUSION

Hematoma shape, spot sign and UHG speed are solid predictors of hematoma expansion among which spot sign has promising specificity, hematoma shape and UHG speed are more convenient to be observed.

Identification and functional characterization of four transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 variants in Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür)

As signal integrators that respond to various physical and chemical stimuli, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels fulfil critical functional roles in the sensory systems of both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Here, four variants of TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) were identified and cloned from the green plant bug, Apolygus lucorum. Spatiotemporal expression profiling across development and in different adult tissues revealed that the highest relative-transcript levels occurred in first-instar nymphs and antennae, respectively. In Xenopus laevis-based functional assays, Apo. lucorum TRPA1-A (AlucTRPA1-A), AlucTRPA1-B and AlucTRPA1-C were activated by increasing the temperature from 20 to 40 °C with no significant desensitization observed after repeated temperature stimuli. The activation temperature of AlucTRPA1-A and AlucTRPA1-B was < 25 °C, whereas the activation temperature of AlucTRPA1-C was between 25 and 30 °C. Amongst the variants, only AlucTRPA1-A and AlucTRPA1-C were directly activated by high concentrations of allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamaldehyde and citronellal. Taken together, these results suggest that AlucTRPA1 variants may function in vivo as both thermal and chemical sensors, with the four variants potentially mediating different physiological functions. This study not only enriches our understanding of TRPA1 function in Hemiptera (Miridae), but also offers a foundation for developing new pest control strategies.

MicroRNA-34a and Impaired FGF19/21 Signaling in Obesity

The obesity epidemic and the urgent need for effective and safe drugs to treat obesity-related diseases have greatly increased research interest in the metabolic hormones, fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19, FGF15 in mice), and FGF21. FGF19 and FGF21 function as endocrine hormones that play key roles in energy metabolism and counteract obesity. Importantly, in obese humans and lab animals, circulating FGF19 and FGF21 levels are elevated, and metabolic actions of these hormones are impaired but the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. Recent microRNA (miR) studies have revealed that aberrantly elevated miR-34a in obesity directly targets β-Klotho, the obligate coreceptor for both FGF19 and FGF21, and attenuates metabolic signaling of these hormones. In this review, we will discuss recent findings in the miR and FGF19/21 fields, emphasizing the novel function of obesity-associated miR-34a in attenuation of FGF19/21 metabolic actions, and further discuss miRs, including miR-34a, as potential drug targets for obesity-related diseases.

Resistance and integron characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii in a teaching hospital in Chongqing, China

A total of 189 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were collected in 2011 from a teaching hospital in Chongqing, China. Susceptibility data showed strains carrying integrons were significantly more resistant to all tested antibiotics that strains lacking integrons. Five types of gene cassettes belonging to class I integrons were identified in this study, and for the first time two types of gene cassettes belonging to class II integrons are reported. Most of the cassettes belong to a class I integron (136/144) encoding arr3, aacA4, dfrA17, aadA5, aadB, cat, blaOXA10 , aadA1, aadA2, dfrA and aacC1. Isolates contained a class I gene cassette; AadA2-HP-dfrA was the prevalent strain in this hospital. A class II integron was detected in eight strains, which contained the type IV fimbriae expression regulatory gene pilR and sulfate adenylyltransferase, suggesting a possible role in multidrug resistance. The major epidemic strains from intensive care unit patients belong to international clone 2. In conclusion, the presence of integrons was significantly associated with multiple drug resistance of A. baumannii in this hospital, and class I integron isolates bearing AadA2-HP-dfrA were the prevalent strain in this hospital.

A TRPA1 channel that senses thermal stimulus and irritating chemicals in Helicoverpa armigera

Sensing and responding to changes in the external environment is important for insect survival. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are crucial for various sensory modalities including olfaction, vision, hearing, thermosensation and mechanosensation. Here, we identified and characterized a transient receptor potential gene named as HarmTRPA1 in Helicoverpa armigera antennae. HarmTRPA1 was abundantly expressed in the antennae and labial palps. Transcripts of HarmTRPA1 could also be detected in the head and proboscis. Furthermore, functional analyses of HarmTRPA1 were conducted in the Xenopus Oocyte system. The results showed that the HarmTRPA1 channel could be activated by increasing the temperature from 20 to 45 °C. No significant adaptation was observed when the stimulus was repeated. In addition to thermal stimuli, pungent natural compounds including allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamaldehyde and citronellal also activated HarmTRPA1. Taken together, we infer that HarmTRPA1 may function as both a thermal sensor involved in peripheral temperature detection and as a chemical sensor detecting irritating chemicals in vivo. Our data provide valuable insight into the TRPA1 channel in this moth and lay the foundation for developing novel strategies for pest control.

Pilot-scale comparison of four duckweed strains from different genera for potential application in nutrient recovery from wastewater and valuable biomass production

The application potential of four duckweed strains from four genera, Wolffia globosa 0222, Lemna japonica 0223, Landoltia punctata 0224 and Spirodela polyrhiza 0225, were compared in four parallel pilot-scale wastewater treatment systems for more than 1 year. The results indicated that each duckweed strain had unique potential advantages. Unlike L. japonica 0223 and La. punctata 0224, which grow throughout the year, S. polyrhiza 0225 and W. globosa 0222 do not survive cold weather. For year round performance, L. japonica 0223 was best not only in dry biomass production (6.10 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) ), but also in crude protein (35.50%), total amino acid (26.83%) and phosphorus (1.38%) content, plus recovery rates of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and CO2 (0.31, 0.085 and 7.76 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) , respectively) and removal rates of TN and TP (0.66 and 0.089 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) , respectively). This strongly demonstrates that L. japonica 0223 performed best in wastewater treatment and protein biomass production. Under nutrient starvation conditions, La. punctata 0224 had the highest starch content (45.84%), dry biomass production (4.81 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) ) and starch accumulation (2.9 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) ), making it best for starch biomass production. W. globosa 0222 and S. polyrhiza 0225 showed increased flavonoid biomass production, with higher total flavonoid content (5.85% and 4.22%, respectively) and high dominant flavonoids (>60%). This study provides useful information for selecting the appropriate local duckweed strains for further application in wastewater treatment and valuable biomass production.

A fast and accurate decoder for underwater acoustic telemetry

The Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, has been used to monitor the survival of juvenile salmonids passing through hydroelectric facilities in the Federal Columbia River Power System. Cabled hydrophone arrays deployed at dams receive coded transmissions sent from acoustic transmitters implanted in fish. The signals' time of arrival on different hydrophones is used to track fish in 3D. In this article, a new algorithm that decodes the received transmissions is described and the results are compared to results for the previous decoding algorithm. In a laboratory environment, the new decoder was able to decode signals with lower signal strength than the previous decoder, effectively increasing decoding efficiency and range. In field testing, the new algorithm decoded significantly more signals than the previous decoder and three-dimensional tracking experiments showed that the new decoder's time-of-arrival estimates were accurate. At multiple distances from hydrophones, the new algorithm tracked more points more accurately than the previous decoder. The new algorithm was also more than 10 times faster, which is critical for real-time applications on an embedded system.

Extended survival and reduced risk of AML progression in erythroid-responsive lenalidomide-treated patients with lower-risk del(5q) MDS

Lenalidomide is the approved treatment for patients with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chromosome 5q deletion (del(5q)). We report the long-term outcomes (median follow-up 3.2 years) in patients treated with lenalidomide in the MDS-003 trial. RBC transfusion independence (TI) ≥ 8 weeks was achieved in 97 of 148 treated patients (65.5%), with a median response duration of 2.2 years. Partial or complete cytogenetic response was achieved by 63 of 88 evaluable patients (71.6%). Median overall survival (OS) was longer in patients achieving RBC-TI ≥ 8 weeks (4.3 vs 2.0 years in non-responders; P<0.0001) or cytogenetic response (4.9 vs 3.1 years in non-responders; P=0.010). Time to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression was longer in patients achieving RBC-TI ≥ 8 weeks or any cytogenetic response versus non-responders (P=0.001 and P=0.0002, respectively). In a landmark multivariate analysis, RBC-TI ≥ 8 weeks was associated with prolonged OS (P<0.001) and a trend toward reduced relative risk of AML progression (P=0.080). Among these lower-risk MDS patients with del(5q), lenalidomide was associated with prolonged RBC-TI and cytogenetic responses, which were linked to improved OS and reduced risk of AML progression.