[Analysis of the status of excess heart age and its risk factors among residents aged 35 to 64 years in China]

Objective: To analyze the status of excess heart age and its risk factors among Chinese residents aged 35 to 64 years. Methods: The study subjects were Chinese residents aged 35 to 64 years who completed the heart age assessment by WeChat official account"Heart Strengthening Action"through the internet from January 2018 to April 2021. Information such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), smoking history, and diabetes history was collected. The heart age and excess heart age were calculated according to the characteristics of individual cardiovascular risk factors and the heart aging was defined as excess heart age≥5 years and 10 years respectively. The heart age and standardization rate were calculated respectively based on the population standardization of the 7th census in 2021.CA trend test was used to analyze the changing trend of excess heart age rate and population attributable risk (PAR) was used to calculate the contribution of risk factors. Results: The mean age of 429 047 subjects was 49.25±8.66 years. The male accounted for 51.17% (219 558/429 047) and the excess heart age was 7.00 (0.00, 11.00) years. The excess heart age rate defined by excess heart age≥5 years and≥10 years was 57.02% (the standardized rate was 56.83%) and 38.02% (the standardized rate was 37.88%) respectively. With the increase of the age and number of risk factors, the excess heart age rate of the two definitions showed an upward trend according to the result of the trend test analysis (P<0.001). The top two risk factors of the PAR for excess heart age were overweight or obese and smoking. Among them, the male was smoking and overweight or obese, while the female was overweight or obese and having hypercholesterolemia. Conclusion: The excess heart age rate is high in Chinese residents aged 35 to 64 years and the contribution of overweight or obese, smoking and having hypercholesterolemia ranks high.

[Design of non-metallic crown for primary molars and analyzation of stress distribution: a finite element study]

Objectives: To study the design of nonmetallic crowns for deciduous molars by means of computer aided design and to analyze the key parameters of the nonmetallic crowns of deciduous molars using finite element method. Methods: The three-dimensional model of a mandibular second primary molar was constructed by using a micro-CT system. The thickness of the crown was limited to 0.5 mm and four different crown shapes (chamfer+anatomic, chamfer+non-anatomic, knife edge+anatomic and knife edge+non-anatomic) were designed. Then, the crown shape was limited as chamfer+non-anatomic and five different thicknesses of the crown (0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 mm) were designed, and three different materials, including polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin and resin-infiltrated ceramic, were applied to make the crown. Stress distribution and fatigue of each component of the model under vertical and oblique loadings were analyzed by using finite element method. Non-axial retention analysis was performed on chamfer+non-anatomic crowns, made of PMMA resin, with thicknesses of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 and 1.50 mm. Results: Among the four crown shape designs, the chamfer+non-anatomic type crown showed the lowest von Mises stress and the highest safety factor. By comparing three different materials, the resin-infiltrated ceramic group showed obvious stress concentration on the buccal edge of the crown and the PEKK group showed stress concentration in the adhesive layer. Results of non-axial retention analysis showed that the torques required by the crowns with five thicknesses at the same rotation angle were as follows: 4 856.1, 4 038.1, 3 497.3, 3 256.3 and 3 074.3 N⋅m, respectively. The comparison of areas of the adhesives fracture among groups were as follows: 0.5 mm group < 0.75 mm group < 1.00 mm group < 1.25 mm group < 1.50 mm group. Conclusions: In the design of nonmetallic crowns for primary molars, the edge of the crown should be designed as chamfer, the shape of the inner crown should be non-anatomical and the minimum preparation amount of the occlusal surface should be 1.00 mm. Among the three materials, PMMA resin, of which elastic modulus is similar to the dentin and the dental adhesive, might be the most suitable material for the crowns of primary molars.

[Occlusal contact of primary dentition at intercuspal position in children with individual normal occlusion]

Objective: To record occlusal contact of primary dentition at maximal intercuspal position in children with individual normal occlusion. Methods: A total of 57 children were recruited from patients of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Inclusion criteria were that the subjects were 3-5 years old with no visually detectable caries or pupal and periapical diseases, had complete primary dentition, had individual normal occlusion, had normal function of craniofacial system, were medically healthy, could cooperate with sampling and had obtained written informed consent from the parents or guardians. Finally, forty-seven children aged 3 to 5 years old were enrolled, including 24 males and 23 females. The age, height and weight of all subjects were (4.1±0.7) years old (ranging 3.0-5.8 years old), (103.7±7.2) cm (ranging 90-120 cm) and (17.1±2.5) kg (ranging 12.5-22.5 kg), respectively. Occlusal abilities such as occlusal contact area, average bite pressure, maximum bite pressure, maximum bite force and occlusal balance were measured with Dental Prescale Ⅱ system. Results: Maximum bite force and occlusal contact area at intercuspal position in children with primary dentition were (567.40±223.84) N (ranging 226.7-1 154.6 N) and (18.56±6.54) mm² (ranging 8.4-41.2 mm²), respectively. There was a significantly strong correlation between maximum bite force and occlusal contact area (r=0.954, P<0.01). Height and weight of children were also positively correlated with their maximum bite force (r=0.397, P=0.022 and r=0.453, P=0.008, respectively). Maximum occlusal bite force and contact occlusal area of boys [(651.80±224.34) N and (20.77±6.97) mm²] were significantly higher and larger than those of girls [(479.34±190.45) N and (16.25±5.27) mm²] (P<0.05). Thirty-two of all 47 children had one occlusal contact point with maximum bite pressure, mostly locating within the primary molar region. Bite forces of anterior and posterior teeth of primary dentition were (124.12±56.99) N and (450.11±205.09) N, respectively, about (21.82±11.40)% and (71.80±21.35)% of maximum bite force of the whole primary dentition. All of the occlusal balance points located in posterior teeth regions. Occlusal contacts were observed at both anterior and posterior teeth of primary dentition with individual normal occlusion. Conclusions: There was a great variation of maximum bite forces of primary dentitions at intercuspal position of children with individual normal occlusion. Maximum bite force of primary dentition was significantly correlated with occlusal contact area, height and weight of children. Occlusal contact points with maximum bite pressure and occlusal bite balance points of primary dentitions mostly located in primary molar regions.

[Association between blood pressure control and characteristics of green space among hypertensive patients in Shenzhen]

Objective: To explore the influence of characteristics of green space on blood pressure control. Methods: Hypertensive patients who were managed by community health centers for one year and aged 35 years old and above were selected as the study subjects in Shenzhen. Multi-stage random sampling method was applied to select a representative sample of 1 200 patients. A total of 1 116 valid questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 93.0%. From November 2019 to January 2020, well-structured questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory biochemical test were applied for information collection among the 1 116 participants. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between characteristics of green space and blood pressure control. Results: The rate of blood pressure control was 67.8%. Results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting confounding factors, health supporting elements, such as fitness areas (OR=1.678, 95%CI:1.231-2.288), collective exercise venues(OR=1.373, 95%CI:1.020-1.848), health knowledge promotion areas (OR=1.416, 95%CI: 1.049-1.911) in green space, were significantly correlated with blood pressure control. Green space safetiness (OR=1.010, 95%CI: 1.000-1.019), comfortableness (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.001-1.021) and maintenance status (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.001-1.021) also played a role. The rate of blood control among patients with exclusive green space was higher than that of patients without exclusive green space (OR=1.333, 95%CI: 1.009-1.762). Conclusion: Health supporting elements, safety, comfort, maintenance of green space and exclusive green space play an important role in blood pressure controlling.

Selection and implementation of single nucleotide polymorphism markers for parentage analysis in crossbred cattle population

Crossbreeding is an essential way of improving herd performance. However, frequent parentage record errors appear, which results in the lower accuracy of genetic parameter estimation and genetic evaluation. This study aims to build a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel with sufficient power for parentage testing in the crossbred population of Simmental and Holstein cattle. The direct sequencing technique in PCR products of pooling DNA along with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS method for genotyping the individuals was applied. A panel comprising 50 highly informative SNPs for parentage analysis was developed in the crossbred population. The average minor allele frequency for SNPs was 0.43, and the cumulative probability of exclusion for single-parent and both-parent inference met 0.99797 and 0.999999, respectively. The maker-set for parentage verification was then used in a group of 81 trios with aid of the likelihood-based parentage-assignment program of Cervus software. Reconfirmation with on-farm records showed that this 50-SNP system could provide sufficient and reliable information for parentage testing with the parental errors for mother-offspring and sire-offspring being 8.6 and 18.5%, respectively. In conclusion, a set of low-cost and efficient SNPs for the paternity testing in the Simmental and Holstein crossbred population are provided.

[Association of plasma albumin and hypersensitive C-reactive protein with 5-year all-cause mortality among Chinese older adults aged 65 and older from 8 longevity areas in China]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of plasma albumin and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) with 5-year all-cause mortality among Chinese older adults aged 65 and older. Method: Data was collected in 8 longevity areas of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) study conducted by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Peking University at baseline survey in 2012 and 2014, the participants enrolled in 2012 was followed-up in 2014 and 2017, the participants enrolled in 2014 was followed-up in 2017 only. Finally, 3 118 older adults aged 65 and older with complete information on albumin, Hs-CRP and body mass index (BMI) were included in this study. Plasma samples of older adults were collected for the detection of albumin and Hs-CRP at baseline survey. Survival status and follow-up time was recorded for all participants. All older adults were divided into 4 groups according to the levels of plasma albumin and Hs-CRP, and Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to assess their influence on the risk of all-cause mortality. Results: Among 3 118 older adults included, the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was 10.1% (316/3 118), and was 22.8% (711/3 118) for elevated Hs-CRP. During 10 132 person-years of follow-up, 1 212 participants died. Participants with hypoalbuminemia had increased risk of all-cause mortality, with an hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidential interval (CI) of 1.18 (1.01-1.38), compared to participants with normal plasma albuminemia; participants with elevated Hs-CRP had increased risk of all-cause mortality, with an HR (95%CI) of 1.18 (1.04-1.35), compared to participants with normal plasma Hs-CRP. Participants with normal plasma albumin and elevated Hs-CRP, with hypoalbuminemia and normal Hs-CRP, with hypoalbuminemia and elevated Hs-CRP also had increased risk of all-cause mortality when compared to those with normal plasma albumin and normal Hs-CRP, the HR (95%CI) were 1.16 (1.01-1.34), 1.11 (0.91-1.37) and 1.43 (1.11-1.83), respectively. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia and elevated Hs-CRP were responsible for increased risk of 5-year all-cause mortality among Chinese older adults from 8 longevity areas.

[Evaluation on the effect of salt reduction intervention among fourth-grade primary school students and their parents in Shandong Province]

In order to evaluate the intervention effect of the school-based salt reduction model, 28 primary schools were selected in Shandong Province in September 2014 and randomly divided into intervention group (1 361 students, 1 306 parents) and control group (1 364 students,1 340 parents). A series of "small hands and big hands" salt reduction intervention activities were conducted in intervention group for 8 months. After the intervention, the total awareness rate of salt reduction knowledge, the total holding rate of related beliefs and the total reporting rate of related behaviors were 70.65%, 80.30% and 67.03% among students, and 85.66%, 93.77% and 87.93% among parents, in the intervention group, which were higher than those in the control group (37.12%, 66.52% and 50.07% among students; 55.11%, 87.52% and 57.96% among parents) (all P values <0.05). The school-based salt reduction model is effective and feasible.

[Follow-up study of body mass index and risk of cognitive impairment among elderly adults aged ≥65 years old from longevity areas of China]

Objective: To discuss the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive impairment among elderly adults aged ≥65 years old from longevity areas of China. Methods: A total of 2 439 elderly adults from 8 longevity areas were included in our baseline survey by answering questionnaire and taking body measurements and blood biochemical examinations in 2012. In the follow-up study in 2014, we studied the cognitive impairment status among the 1 135 elderly adults aging ≥65 years old. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between BMI and cognitive impairment risk. Results: 113 participants were defined as cognitive impairment, with a positive rate at 10.0%. The positive rate in group of underweight, normal weight, and overweight and obese elderly were 22.2% (51/230), 7.5% (47/629), 5.4% (15/276). The rate of cognitive impairment in groups of low BMI (<19.7 kg/m(2)), middle BMI (19.7-23.1 kg/m(2)) and high BMI (>23.1 kg/m(2)) were separately 17.7% (66/372), 7.1% (27/379) and 5.2% (20/384) (P<0.001). Every 1.0 kg/m(2) increase in BMI, the risk of cognitive impairment would significantly decreased by 7% (RR(95%CI): 0.93(0.87-0.99)). Compared with participants with middle BMI level, the group of low BMI participants was associated with a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment (RR (95% CI): 1.98(1.14-3.44)); while there was no significant association was observed in the high BMI group (RR(95%CI): 1.15(0.57-2.32)). Compared with elderly in normal weight, the elderly with under weight was in higher risk of cognitive impairment (RR (95%CI: 2.19(1.31-3.66)) and there was no significant association found between the elderly with overweight (RR(95%CI): 1.18(0.58-2.38)). Conclusion: Among the elderly ≥65 years old from longevity area, low BMI level and underweight were associated with the increased risk of cognitive impairment.

[Association between biomarkers and activities of daily living in the elderly ≥65 years old from longevity areas in China]

Objective: To explore the association between biomarkers and activities of daily living (ADL) in the elderly over 65 years old from longevity areas in China. Methods: A total of 2 439 people from 8 longevity areas were included in our baseline survey in 2012. Using questionnaires, body measurements, and blood biochemical examinations, information on demographics characteristic, life style, ADL, blood pressure and biomarkers were collected. Based on these six items of ADL (bathing, dressing, indoor activities, toileting, eating, bowel and bladder control), we constructed a dichotomous indicator for ADL. A respondent was defined as ADL disabled if any difficulty in one or more of the above six activities was reported. Information were collected in the follow-up in 2014 using the same questionnaires and examinations. We excluded information on the elderly who lacked ADL or biomarkers test results or with ADL disability at baseline study. Finally 938 elderly people over 65 years old were included in this analysis. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence factors of ADL disability. Results: During the 2-year follow-up, 100 (10.7%) participants developed into ADL disability, with a rate at 10.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that each year increase in age or each 1 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) would cause the risk of ADL disability to increase 9% or 1%, whose OR (95%CI) were separately 1.09 (1.06-1.12), 1.01 (1.00-1.02). Han nationality or cognitive impairment increased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 4.90 (1.13-21.24), 2.47 (1.44-4.25), while increased lymphocyte count (>1.60×10(9)/L), being married, or participating in recreational activities decreased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 0.51 (0.31-0.82), 0.52 (0.28-0.96), 0.43 (0.23-0.80). Conclusion: In the elderly elevated lymphocyte count was associated with lower risk of ADL disability. In addition, incresed age, increased SBP, unmarried, Han nationality or cognitive impairment were associated with the increasing risk of ADL disability in older people, while participating in recreational activities would reduce the risk.

[Study on handgrip strength of elderly ≥60 years old from longevity areas in China]

Objective: To assess the status of handgrip strength of elderly population from longevity areas in China, and to analyze the correlative factors of handgrip strength of elderly people. Methods: Data from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2012 was used, from which1 967 participants aged ≥60 years old with valid data of grip strength value from 8 Chinese longevity areas were included. Information on demographics characteristic, life style and health status was collected using questionnaires. The handgrip strength of both left and right hands were measured by grip dynamometer. The different characteristics of group of participants with different grip strength were compared and then analyzed by adopting the Cumulative odds Logistic regression model to identify main factors associated with hand grip strength. Results: The P(50) (P(25)-P(50)) of hand grip strength of elderly people from the eight longevity areas was 20 (11-28) kg; The hand grip strength of males was 26 (18-34) kg, which was higher than that of females(14 (9-20) kg) (P<0.001). Cumulative odds Logistic regression model showed that the hand grip strength of females was lower than males, whose β value (95%CI) was-1.22 (-1.43--1.00). The elderly who was at a higher age, smoking, drinking or with anemia, had a comparatively lower handgrip strength, whose β (95%CI) value were separately-0.08(-0.09~-0.07),-0.29(-0.56~-0.02),-0.54(-0.80~-0.28), and-0.41(-0.62~-0.20). And the elderly who had a higher boby mass index, drinking tea and outdoor activities, had a comparatively higher handgrip strength, whose β(95%CI) value were separately 0.28 (0.15-0.40), 0.25(0.03-0.47) and 0.51(0.30-0.71). Conclusion: Age and gender were the main correlative factors, lifestyles and physical conditions might also be correlative factors of hand grip strength of the elderly from longevity areas in China.

[In vivo and in vitro experimental studies of remote digital control endovascular robotic system in interventional angiography]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the remote control endovascular robotic system in interventional angiography. Method: The endovascular robotic system Heifetz™ and the matched steerable catheter Mirage™ were used to cannulate all the target vessels in the vascular model and cerebral arteries originated from the aorta of Bama mini-pigs under fluoroscopic guidance. The technical success rate, cannulation time and exposure dose were all collected and compared with the result of using conventional techniques. Result: All the target vessels were successfully cannulated.The average cannulation time for the steerable catheter into left subclavian artery, left common carotid artery, brachiocephalic artery, right common carotid artery and right subclavian artery in the vascular model was (21.3±2.8)s, (28.8±5.2)s, (17.7±2.6)s, (31.5±5.1)s and (24.2±3.7) s, respectively, while the average exposure dose was (9.3±1.2)mGy, (12.4±2.2)mGy, (7.4±1.2)mGy, (14.2±2.5)mGy and( 10.4±1.9)mGy, respectively. The endovascular robotic system completed the cerebral angiography in Bama mini-pigs successfully. The average cannulation time for left innominate artery, right innominate artery, right subclavian artery, common internal carotid trunk, left internal carotid artery and right internal carotid artery was (41.5±6.8)s, (29.1±3.7)s, (40.7±5.5)s, (40.1±5.8)s, (59.6±9.0)s and( 60.3±10.1)s, respectively, while the average exposure dose was (40.6±6.5)mGy, (36.0±5.2)mGy, (39.8±6.1)mGy, (43.9±6.7)mGy, (51.0±7.4)mGy and( 50.1±7.8)mGy, respectively. There was no significant difference between robotic and conventional group in success rate, cannulation time and exposure dose. Conclusion: The remote digital control endovascular robotic system could cannulate the target vessel in both vascular model and complete the cerebral angiography in Bama mini-pigs, which shows the feasibility of using this robotic system in endovascular intervention procedures under remote control.

Treatment of vitiligo with 308-nm excimer laser: our experience from a 2-year follow-up of 979 Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

The 308-nm excimer laser had been proved to be a time-efficient and potent therapeutic alternative for the management of vitiligo. Different results had been reported in different ethnic populations.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and related contributing factors of 308-nm excimer laser in Chinese vitiligo patients.

METHODS

A total of 979 Chinese patients (3478 lesions) with progressive-stage vitiligo who had received 308-nm excimer laser treatment were recruited from the vitiligo clinic of Shandong Provincial Hospital of Dermatology &Venereology from 2012 to 2014. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated at the end of session by two independent dermatologists based on the before and after images taken. Repigmentation was graded on a 4-point scale: grade 1, poor repigmentation (0-25%); grade 2, moderate repigmentation (26-50%); grade 3, good repigmentation (51-75%); grade 4, excellent repigmentation (76-100%).

RESULTS

The mean grade of repigmentation was 2.29, 44.22% showed less than 25% repigmentation, 16.27% showed 26-50% repigmentation, 5.95% showed 51-75% repigmentation and 33.55% showed more than 76% repigmentation. The repigmentation of facial lesions was better than lesions located elsewhere (P < 0.0001), the best response was noted in the periorbital region, while lesions on hands and feet showed poor repigmentation (P < 0.0001). The degree of repigmentation was negatively correlated with disease duration (r = -0.268, P < 0.001), age (r = -0.095, P < 0.001) and shape of lesions (r = -0.114, P < 0.001), whereas it was positively correlated with treatment frequency (r = 0.270, P < 0.001). Lesions with concurrent poliosis were more likely resistant to treatments.

CONCLUSION

308-nm excimer laser appears to be an effective and safe treatment in Chinese vitiligo patients. The clinical response and treatment efficacy was affected by many factors such as age, affected anatomical area, shape of the lesion, disease duration and treatment frequencies.

[Research progress of risk assessment model of type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Established models of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are used to determine predictors with the aim of disease prevention. Established models are used to determine predictors, then assign risk scores or calculate the probability of T2DM development within a certain timeframe. A number of countries and regions have established T2DM risk assessment models, which can be divided into non-invasive and invasive tools, depending on whether they use routinely collected information or laboratory markers. Here, we review the latest progress of two assessment models at the national and international levels, and explore and summarize their applications. The noninvasive Finnish Diabetes Risk Score and the invasive Framingham model are widely used internationally. However, invasive models were more widely applied, as studies on T2DM risk assessment models started relatively late in China.

[Establishing a noninvasive prediction model for type 2 diabetes mellitus based on a rural Chinese population]

OBJECTIVE

To provide a noninvasive type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prediction model for a rural Chinese population.

METHODS

From July to August, 2007 and July to August, 2008, a total of 20 194 participants aged ≥18 years were selected by cluster sampling technique from a rural population in two townships of Henan province, China. Data were collected by questionnaire interview, anthropometric measurement, and fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile examination. A total 17 265 participants were followed up from July to August, 2013 and July to October, 2014. Finally, 12 285 participants were selected for analysis. Data for these participants were randomly divided into a derivation group (derivation dataset, n= 6 143) and validation group (validation dataset, n=6 142) by 1∶1, respectively. Randomization was carried out by the use of computer-generated random numbers. A Cox regression model was used to analyze risk factors of T2DM in the derivation dataset. A T2DM prediction model was established by multiplying β by 10 for each significant variable. After the total score was calculated by the model, analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used for evaluating model predictability. Furthermore, the model's predictability was validated in the validation dataset and compared with the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) model.

RESULTS

A total 779 of 12 285 participants developed T2DM during the 6-year study period. The incidence rate was 6.12% in the derivation dataset (n=376) and 6.56% in the validation dataset (n=403). The difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=1.00, P=0.316). A total of four noninvasive T2DM prediction models were established using the Cox regression model. The ROCs of the risk score calculated by the prediction models indicated that the AUCs of these models were similar (0.67-0.70). The AUC and Youden index of model 4 was the highest. The optimal cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index were scores of 25, 65.96%, 66.47%, and 0.32, respectively. Age, sleep time, BMI, waist circumference, and hypertension were selected as predictive variables. Using age<30 years as reference, β values were 1.07, 1.58, and 1.67 and assigned scores were 11, 16, and 17 for age groups 30-44, 45-59, and ≥60 years, respectively. Using sleep time<8.0 h/d as reference, the β value and assigned score were 0.27 and 3, respectively, for sleep time ≥10.0 h/d. Using BMI 18.5-23.9 kg/m(2) as reference, β values were 0.53 and 1.00 and assigned scores 5 and 10, respectively, for BMI 24.0-27.9 kg/m(2), and ≥28.0 kg/m(2). Using waist circumference <85 cm for males/< 80 cm for females as reference, β values were 0.44 and 0.65 and assigned scores 4 and 7, respectively, for 85 cm ≤ waist circumference <90 cm for males/80 cm≤ waist circumference <85 cm for females, and waist circumference ≥90 cm for males/≥85 cm for females. Using nonhypertension as reference, the respective β value and assigned score were 0.34 and 3 for hypertension. The AUC performance of this model and the FINDRISC model was 0.66 and 0.64 (P=0.135), respectively, in the validation dataset.

CONCLUSION

Based on this cohort study, a noninvasive prediction model that included age, sleep time, BMI, waist circumference, and hypertension was established, which is equivalent to the FINDRISC model and applicable to a rural Chinese population.

Study on like-stem characteristics of tumor sphere cells in human gastric cancer line HGC-27

Stem-like cancer cells are called cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor stem cells (TSCs). Methods for sorting CSCs are mainly based on the marker (CD133+/CD44+) or side population cells. However, CD133+/CD44+ cells or side population cells are very rare or even undetectable. In the present study, the tumor sphere of human gastric cancer (HGC) cell line HGC-27 was used for CSCs enrichment, and stem-like characteristics were verified by Hoechst 33342 staining technology, cell growth rate assays, sphere differentiation assay, clone formation, chemotherapy resistance study and tumor formation in an animal model. Our results demonstrated that the tumor sphere cells of HGC-27 cell line could be used to enrich CSCs, which may contribute to human gastric cancer stem cell biology research.

Identification of the long non-coding RNA POU3F3 in plasma as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were present in the blood of cancer patients and have shown great potential as powerful and non-invasive tumor markers. However, little is known about the value of lncRNAs in the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We hypothesized that ESCC-related lncRNAs might be released into the circulation during tumor initiation and could be utilized to detect and monitor ESCC.

Methods

Ten lncRNAs (HOTAIR, AFAP1-AS1, POU3F3, HNF1A-AS1, 91H, PlncRNA1, SPRY4-IT1, ENST00000435885.1, XLOC_013104 and ENST00000547963.1) which previously found to be differently expressed in esophageal cancer were selected as candidate targets for subsequent circulating lncRNA assay. A four-stage exploratory study was conducted to test the hypothesis: (1) optimization of detected method to accurately and reproducibly measure ESCC-related lncRNAs in plasma and serum; (2) evaluation of the stability of circulating lncRNAs in human plasma or serum; (3) exploration the origin of ESCC-related lncRNAs in vitro and in vivo; (4) evaluation the diagnostic power of circulating lncRNAs for ESCC.

Results

ESCC-related lncRNAs were detectable and stable in plasma of cancer patients, and derived largely from ESCC tumor cells. Furthermore, plasma levels of POU3F3, HNF1A-AS1 and SPRY4-IT1 were significantly higher in ESCC patients compared with normal controls. By receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, among the three lncRNAs investigated, plasma POU3F3 provided the highest diagnostic performance for detection of ESCC (the area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.842; p < 0.001; sensitivity, 72.8%; specificity, 89.4%). Moreover, use of POU3F3 and SCCA in combination could provide a more effective diagnosis performance (AUC, 0.926, p < 0.001, sensitivity, 85.7%; specificity, 81.4%). Most importantly, this combination was effective to detect ESCC at an early stage (80.8%).

Conclusions

Plasma POU3F3 could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of ESCC, and the combination of POU3F3 and SCCA was more efficient for ESCC detection, in particular for early tumor screening.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1476-4598-14-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of long non‑coding RNAs, microRNAs and messenger RNAs involved in initiation and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Traditionally, cancer research has focused on protein‑coding genes, which are considered the principal effectors and regulators of tumorigenesis. Non‑coding RNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have been widely reported to be important in the regulation of tumorigenesis and cancer development. However, to the best of our knowledge, investigation of the expression profiles of lncRNAs and a comparison of the involvement of lncRNAs, miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in esophageal tumorigenesis and development have not previously been performed. In the current study, intrinsic associations among the expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs from normal esophageal tissues and those from cancer tissues were investigated. Oligonucleotide microarrays were used to detect the expression profiles of the three types of RNA in the canceration processes of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues. It was demonstrated that the different RNAs exhibit associated patterns of expression among normal esophageal epithelium, low‑grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high‑grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), and carcinoma tissues, particularly in the critical period of canceration (HGIN to ESCC). Furthermore, the results indicated a high level of similarity in the potential function of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in the processes of ESCC development. In the current study, a first generation atlas of lncRNA profiling and its association with miRNAs and mRNAs in the canceration processes of ESCC were presented.

Long noncoding RNA SPRY4-IT1 is upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and associated with poor prognosis

LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 has been shown to promote the progression of melanoma. However, the role of lncRNA SPRY4-IT1 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical significance and biological functions of SPRY4-IT1 in ESCC. The expression levels of lncRNA SPRY4-IT in 92 ESCC patients and 8 ESCC cell lines were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The prognostic significance was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to suppress SPRY4-IT1 expression in ESCC cell lines. Both in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to further explore its role in tumor progression. SPRY4-IT1 levels were significantly higher in ESCC tissues and cells than in corresponding adjacent noncancerous tissues and nontumorigenic esophageal epithelial cells, and the ESCC patients with higher SPRY4-IT1 expression had an advanced clinical stage and poorer prognosis than those with lower SPRY4-IT1 expression. The multivariate analysis revealed that SPRY4-IT1 expression level is an independent prognostic factor in ESCC patients. In vitro assays demonstrated that knockdown of SPRY4-IT1 reduced cell proliferation, invasiveness, and migration. In vivo assays demonstrated that knockdown of SPRY4-IT1 decreases cell growth. SPRY4-IT1 is a novel molecule involved in ESCC progression, which may provide a potential prognostic biomarker and a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Upregulation of the long non-coding RNA PlncRNA-1 promotes esophageal squamous carcinoma cell proliferation and correlates with advanced clinical stage

BACKGROUND

Recent studies revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in cancer biology. PlncRNA-1 is one of lncRNAs that is associated with cell apoptosis and proliferation of prostate cancer.

AIM

This study aimed to assess the potential role of PlncRNA-1 in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of PlncRNA-1 in 73 pairs of ESCC and their matched normal tissues. The correlation of PlncRNA-1 with clinicopathological features and clinical stages was also analyzed. Cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed following knock-down of PlncRNA-1 by MTT, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The expression of PlncRNA-1 was significantly higher in human ESCC compared with the adjacent noncancerous tissues (69.8 %, p < 0.05), and the high level of PlncRNA-1 expression was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage (p < 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Furthermore, knockdown of PlncRNA-1 reduced cell proliferation and increased the apoptosis in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

PlncRNA-1 plays an important role in ESCC cell proliferation. Overexpression of PlncRNA-1 is correlated with advanced tumor stage and lymph node metastasis, and may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

Prognostic significance of BMP7 as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma

This study aims to evaluate the association between BMP7 tissue expression and patient prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of BMP7 mRNA in HCC was characterized using real-time PCR and 30 pairs of fresh frozen HCC tissues and corresponding noncancerous tissues. BMP7 protein expression in HCC was confirmed using immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray chip. Finally, BMP7 expression was correlated with conventional clinicopathological features of HCC and patient outcome. The expression of BMP7 mRNA and protein in HCC cells was much higher than in normal hepatic cells. Our results showed that the high expression of BMP7 in HCC was related to tumor size (p < 0.001), histological differentiation (p = 0.041), serum AFP (p = 0.007), and tumor stage (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that a high-expression level of BMP7 resulted in a significantly poor prognosis of HCC patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that BMP7 expression level was an independent prognostic parameter for the overall survival rate of HCC patients. These findings provide evidence that a high-expression level of BMP7 serves as a biomarker for poor prognosis for HCC. Thus, we speculate that BMP7 may be a potential target of antiangiogenic therapy for HCC.

Novel single nucleotide polymorphisms of the bovine methyltransferase 3b gene and their association with meat quality traits in beef cattle

DNA methylation is essential for adipose deposition in mammals. We screened SNPs of the bovine DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) gene in Snow Dragon beef, a commercial beef cattle population in China. Nine SNPs were found in the population and three of six novel SNPs were chosen for genotyping and analyzing a possible association with 16 meat quality traits. The frequencies of the alleles and genotypes of the three SNPs in Snow Dragon beef were similar to those in their terminal-paternal breed, Wagyu. Association analysis disclosed that SNP1 was not associated with any of the traits; SNP2 was significantly associated with lean meat color score and chuck short rib score, and SNP3 had a significant effect on dressing percentage and back-fat thickness in the beef population. The individuals with genotype GG for SNP2 had a 25.7% increase in lean meat color score and a 146% increase in chuck short rib score, compared with genotype AA. The cattle with genotype AG for SNP3 had 35.7 and 24% increases in dressing percentage and 28.8 and 29.2% increases in back-fat thickness, compared with genotypes GG and AA, respectively. Genotypic combination analysis revealed significant interactions between SNP1 and SNP2 and between SNP2 and SNP3 for the traits rib-eye area and live weight. We conclude that there is considerable evidence that DNMT3b is a determiner of beef quality traits.

Cloning of the surface layer gene sllB from Bacillus sphaericus ATCC 14577 and its heterologous expression and purification

A cDNA fragment encoding the S-layer protein SllB cloned from Bacillus sphaericus ATCC 14577 was expressed on the surface of E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells and confirmed by the square lattice structure at the nanoscale level. The amplified gene fragment designed with PCR primers from a specified reference sequence (GenBank accession no. AJ849550) showed a high degree of sequence identity with the known sequences for S-layer protein. The best alignment scores were seen in B. sphaericus strains JG-A12 and NCTC9602, which code for a pre-form protein with a predicted cleavage site located between the two alanine residues 31 and 32. After this signal peptide sequence was removed, the mature protein had a molecular mass of 116.2613 kDa and a theoretical pI of 5.40. Further bioinformatic analysis revealed three S-layer homology (SLH) domains in the N-terminus of the mature protein, positioned at the 1–61, 63–128 and 137–197 residues. The mature S-layer protein was composed of alpha helices (24.86%), extended strands (27.01%), and rich random coils (48.13%). Bioinformatics-driven characterization of SllB may provide scientific evidence for further application of this gene in the fields of nanobiotechnology and biomimetics in the future.

Zoledronate inhibits intimal hyperplasia in balloon-injured rat carotid artery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Zoledronate has been reported to inhibit the proliferation, adhesion and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we assessed whether systemic and local delivery of zoledronate would be sufficient to prevent intimal hyperplasia.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into four groups: non-treated group, systemic zoledronate-treated group, local collagen-treated group and local zoledronate-treated group. All four groups underwent balloon injury to the right common carotid artery. The left uninjured carotid arteries of the non-treated group were considered as normal artery samples. Twenty-one days after arterial injury and treatment, the right and left common carotid arteries were fixed, sectioned, stained and measured by computer-aided image analysis.

RESULTS

At 3 weeks, there was a 59% reduction of the intima/media area ratio in the systemic zoledronate-treated group compared with the non-treated group (P < 0.01). There was an 87% reduction of the intima/media area ratio in the local zoledronate-treated group compared with the local collagen-treated group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both systemic and local delivery of zoledronate correspond to a significant reduction in intimal hyperplasia seen at 3 weeks.

[Studies on chemical constituents in the root of Desmos grandifolius (I)]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate new compounds with anti-tumor activities from the root of Desmos grandifolius of Annonaceae.

METHOD

The chemical constituents were isolated by silica gel column chromatography, and the structures were elucidated by UV, IR, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, H-H COSY and NOESY analysis.

RESULTS

Six compounds have been isolated from the CHCl3 extract of this plant and identified as lawinal(I), isolawinal(II), desmethoxymatteucinol(III), benzoic acid(IV), beta-sitosterol(V) and sitgmasterol (VI).

CONCLUSION

All compounds were found from this plant for the first time. Three dihydroflavonoids isolated from this species are characterized by A-ring substitution and no B-ring substitution.