[HVPG minimally invasive era: exploration based on forearm venous approach]

Objective: The transjugular or transfemoral approach is used as a common method for hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in current practice. This study aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of measuring HVPG via the forearm venous approach. Methods: Prospective recruitment was conducted for patients with cirrhosis who underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach at six hospitals in China and Japan from September 2020 to December 2020. Patients' clinical baseline information and HVPG measurement data were collected. The right median cubital vein or basilic vein approach for all enrolled patients was selected. The HVPG standard process was used to measure pressure. Research data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Quantitative data were used to represent medians (interquartile ranges), while qualitative data were used to represent frequency and rates. The correlation between two sets of data was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: A total of 43 cases were enrolled in this study. Of these, 41 (95.3%) successfully underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach. None of the patients had any serious complications. The median operation time for HVPG detection via forearm vein was 18.0 minutes (12.3~38.8 minutes). This study confirmed that HVPG was positively closely related to Child-Pugh score (r = 0.47, P = 0.002), albumin-bilirubin score (r = 0.37, P = 0.001), Lok index (r = 0.36, P = 0.02), liver stiffness (r = 0.58, P = 0.01), and spleen stiffness (r = 0.77, P = 0.01), while negatively correlated with albumin (r = -0.42, P = 0.006). Conclusion: The results of this multi-centre retrospective study suggest that HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach is safe and feasible.

[Research progress on the role of glucose in regulating immune homeostasis]

Glucose is the central nutrient for energy metabolism and life support in the human body. As the main energy substance of the body, glucose is essential for the normal function of immune cells and their proliferation; when glucose homeostasis is disrupted in the body, it may lead to impaired immune system function and pathological conditions. Exploring the relationship between glucose metabolism and immune regulation can help establish the gene regulatory network and figure out potential pathogenic mechanisms under physiological and pathological conditions. This article reviews the current scientific research progress on glucose metabolism and immunity, mainly focusing on the physiological regulatory functions of glucose in maintaining the homeostasis of innate and acquired immunity; and summarizes the research progress on the effects and mechanisms of glucose on tumor immunity and its related therapies under pathological conditions, taking tumors as an example.

[Attention should be paid to the importance of genetic testing in clinical practice of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that mainly involves upper and lower motor neurons. It lacks clear biomarkers and can be clearly diagnosed only one and a half years after the onset. Gene test is of great significance for diagnosis, prognosis and genetic counseling. In recent years, several gene therapy studies have entered the clinical trial stage of ALS, among which the antisense oligonucleotide therapy targeting the pathogenic variation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene has been launched, and it is urgent to carry out routine gene test in clinical practice. On the basis of progress of ALS gene research in recent years, family history, age of onset and typical clinical manifestations of patients are no longer considered as the basis for genetic testing. However, the target genes of clinical gene testing needs to be further clarified according to the diagnostic purpose, the testing method and scheme need to be standardized, and the genetic consultation before testing should be paid attention to, and the informed consent should be fully achieved.

[Anti-HMGCR immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy: A case report]

The patient was a 55-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with "progressive myalgia and weakness for 4 months, and exacerbated for 1 month". Four months ago, he presented with persistent shoulder girdle myalgia and elevated creatine kinase (CK) at routine physical examination, which fluctuated from 1 271 to 2 963 U/L after discontinuation of statin treatment. Progressive myalgia and weakness worsened seriously to breath-holding and profuse sweating 1 month ago. The patient was post-operative for renal cancer, had previous diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease medical history, had a stent implanted by percutaneous coronary intervention and was on long-term medication with aspirin, atorvastatin and metoprolol. Neurological examination showed pressure pain in the scapularis and pelvic girdle muscles, and V- grade muscle strength in the proximal extremities. Strongly positive of anti-HMGCR antibody was detected. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted image and short time inversion recovery sequences (STIR) showed high signals in the right vastus lateralis and semimembranosus muscles. There was a small amount of myofibrillar degeneration and necrosis, CD4 positive inflammatory cells around the vessels and among myofibrils, MHC-Ⅰ infiltration, and multifocal lamellar deposition of C5b9 in non-necrotic myofibrils of the right quadriceps muscle pathological manifestation. According to the clinical manifestation, imageological change, increased CK, blood specific anti-HMGCR antibody and biopsy pathological immune-mediated evidence, the diagnosis of anti-HMGCR immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy was unequivocal. Methylprednisolone was administrated as 48 mg daily orally, and was reduced to medication discontinuation gradually. The patient's complaint of myalgia and breathlessness completely disappeared after 2 weeks, the weakness relief with no residual clinical symptoms 2 months later. Follow-up to date, there was no myalgia or weakness with slightly increasing CK rechecked. The case was a classical anti-HMGCR-IMNM without swallowing difficulties, joint symptoms, rash, lung symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, heart failure and Raynaud's phenomenon. The other clinical characters of the disease included CK as mean levels >10 times of upper limit of normal, active myogenic damage in electromyography, predominant edema and steatosis of gluteus and external rotator groups in T2WI and/or STIR at advanced disease phase except axial muscles. The symptoms may occasionally improve with discontinuation of statins, but glucocorticoids are usually required, and other treatments include a variety of immunosuppressive therapies such as methotrexate, rituximab and intravenous gammaglobulin.

[Research progress on proactive healthy lifestyle and disease immunoprevention]

The paradox of increasing health needs and limited health resources prompted a change in the traditional concept of disease prevention and control, and the concept of proactive health has emerged. Proactive health aimed to prevent and control disease and improve the body's immunity by using controlled methods and means to activate the body's self-healing ability and to identify foreign harmful substances as well as damage factors and tumor cells that the body itself may produce while giving full play to individual initiative. With the continuous development of science, people could maintain and improve their immune system from many aspects, which could be roughly divided into nonpharmaceutical interventions and pharmaceutical interventions. Nonpharmacological interventions included changing lifestyles and habits, adjusting the nutritional structure and intake of food, regulating mindsets and emotions, and improving the living and working environment, etc. This review systematically elaborated on the functions and molecular mechanisms of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotion in regulating immunity, to provide some scientific evidence and theoretical support for proactive health.

[Application and prospect of digital technology on personalized precision nutrition]

Nowadays in China, digital technology is sweeping all walks of life. To deal with the increasing incidence of chronic diseases and people's pursuit of a healthy life expectancy, modern nutrition, which is a core element in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, has gradually entered the digital age and raised broader needs and higher standards for achieving individualized precision nutrition. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies have been used to improve the accuracy of dietary surveys. The digital dietary quality monitoring and evaluation system established by integrating multiple nutritional and health databases are conducive to scientifically and effectively assessing the overall dietary quality. Wearable devices and chemical sensors have made nutrition assessment more efficient. Digital and precise nutrition developed for different populations and different diseases are realized. Nutrition education has been carried out rapidly with the popularization of "Internet+", new media, and application software. The various digital intelligent technologies have gradually penetrated into the dietetics field and empowered personalized health management. In addition, the technologies of digital nutrition in China still face a lot of challenges from theory to practice. How to promote scientific and technological innovation in digital nutrition to stimulate and enhance people's nutritional health is the major task ahead of nutrition science nowadays. This article will briefly introduce digital nutrition survey and assessment, digital nutrition intervention, and intelligent nutrition education, in order to provide a reference for realizing national nutrition and health by digital means.

[hsa_circ_0000231 affects the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway]

Objective: To explore the action mechanism of hsa_circ_0000231 in the occurrence and development of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Methods: Tissue samples of 60 TSCC patients were examined. The patients, including 32 males and 28 females, aged from 36 to 84 years old, underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University and Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University from December 2014 to December 2017. Saliva samples were obtained from healthy volunteers (5 males and 5 females, aged from 40 to 75 years old) and 10 TSCC patients. The TSCC cell lines (CAL-27, Tca-8113 and HN-4) were used. The expression levels of hsa_circ_0000231 in 60 pairs of freshly matched TSCC and para-carcinoma tissue samples, 10 pairs of saliva samples and 3 TSCC cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). hsa_circ_0000231 gene interference and lentiviral transfection were constructed, hsa_circ_0000231 in TSCC cell lines CAL-27 and Tca-8113 was knocked down, and the expressions of hsa_circ_0000231 in hsa_circ_0000231 interference group (sh-circ) and no-load lentivirus group (negative control) were tested with qRT-PCR. Cells with the highest knock-down efficiency were selected for CCK-8 test, colony formation assay, transwell invasion assay and scratch assay. The expressions of EMT-related proteins including E-cadherin, snail protein, N-cadherin and vimentin and proteins related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway including β-catenin, C-myc, Bcl-2, MMP-9 and Cyclin D1 were measured by western blot. After TSCC cells in the interference group were co-cultured with Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator LiCl, the expressions of above proteins were re-measured by western blot. TSCC cells in interference group and control group were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to compare the effect of hsa_circ_0000231 knockdown on the growths of the tumors grafted subcutaneously in the nude mice. Statistical analysis software 25.0 was used for data analysis, and t-test or chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Results: hsa_circ_0000231 was highly expressed in the tissue and saliva samples of TSCC patients and cell lines CAL-27, Tca-8113 and HN-4, but lowly expressed in paired para-carcinoma tissues, saliva samples of healthy people and normal human oral keratinocytes (all P<0.05). Log-rank univariate analysis showed that hsa_circ_0000231 expression level, tumor differentiation degree and T stage were related to the survival of TSCC patients (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox risk regression model analysis suggested that hsa_circ_0000231 expression level (χ²=5.77,P=0.016) and T stage (χ²=5.27,P=0.029) were independent factors for the poor prognosis of TSCC patients. Western blot showed the expressions of snail protein, N-cadherin and vimentin were down-regulated, but E-cadherin was up-regulated in interference group compared with control group. In interference group, the expressions of β-catenin, C-myc, Bcl-2, MMP-9 and CyclinD1 were down-regulated, which were reversed after TSCC cells were co-cultured with LiCl. The knockdown of hsa_circ_0000231 reduced the proliferation, invasion and metastasis abilities of CAL-27 and Tca-8113 cells, which were reversed after TSCC cells were co-cultured with LiCl. The growth rate and volume of the tumors grafted subcutaneously in interference group using LiCl were greater than those in negative control group. Conclusion: hsa_circ_0000231 is an independent prognostic factor of TSCC. Highly expressed hsa_circ_0000231 can promote the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of TSCC cells.

Exploring macrophage mannose receptor expression after myocardial infarction by Al[18F]F-NOTA-DCM positron emission tomography

Introduction

Mannose receptor (CD206) is primarily expressed on the surface of alternatively activated macrophages that are involved in resolution of inflammation after myocardial injury [1]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate mannose receptor targeting positron emission tomography (PET) tracer Al[18F]F-NOTA-DCM consisting of dextran backbone with cysteine-mannose moieties for imaging of experimental acute myocardial infarction (MI) [2].

Methods

First, ALEXA-488 fluorophore-labelled DCM was used for specificity studies using flow cytometry of M1 and M2 polarized macrophages derived from human blood monocytes. Secondly, Sprague-Dawley rats were studied on day 3 and day 7 after permanent ligation of left coronary artery or after sham-operation. [18F]FDG PET (35 MBq, 10 min static scan) was performed to visualize myocardium and on the next day, 60 min dynamic PET was performed after injection of 50 MBq of Al[18F]F-NOTA-DCM. Then, rats were euthanized for biodistribution study by gamma counting followed by digital autoradiography and histology (H&E, CD206 staining) of left ventricle cryosections. In vitro Al[18F]F-NOTA-DCM blocking study was performed on left ventricle cryosection with molar excess of unlabelled DCM.

Results

Flow cytometry confirmed that ALEXA-488-DCM bound specifically to M2 macrophages. In rats, the infarcted area was clearly detected in vivo with Al[18F]F-NOTA-DCM PET and its SUV was significantly higher than that of remote area or myocardium of sham-operated rats both on day 3 (SUV 0.78±0.18 vs. 0.47±0.13 vs. 0.43±0.07, p&lt;0.005) and day 7 post-MI (SUV 0.64±0.10 vs. 0.47±0.12 vs. 0.51±0.07, p&lt;0.05). Autoradiography confirmed increased uptake in the infarcted area compared to the remote area or to the myocardium of sham-operated rats on day 3 (PSL/mm2 141.21±46.06 vs. 49.76±20.37 vs. 57.97±6.77, p&lt;0.005) and day 7 (PSL/mm2 139.22±19.44 vs. 55.38±28.83 vs. 60.83±7.63, p&lt;0.0001). In vitro blocking study indicated that the tracer binding in infarcted area was specific. The area-% of CD206-positive staining in the infarcted area was significantly higher on day 3 post-MI than on day 7 (p&lt;0.05), and higher at both time points than in remote area or myocardium of sham-operated rats (p&lt;0.0001). Area-% of CD206 staining in the MI area positively correlated with Al[18F]F-NOTA-DCM uptake and MI size (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Al[18F]F-NOTA-DCM PET detects overexpression of mannose receptor after ischemic myocardial injury and may be a suitable biomarker for early detection of the inflammation resolution process after MI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Jane and Aatos Erkko FoundationSigrid Juselius FoundationFInnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research

Molecular imaging of alphaVbeta3 integrin for evaluation of myocardial injury after acute myocardial infarction

Background

68Ga-NODAGA-RGD is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer targeting αvβ3 integrin that is upregulated during angiogenesis. αvβ3 integrin expression increases early after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and has been proposed as a marker of myocardial repair.

Purpose

We prospectively evaluated the uptake of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD and its association to left ventricular function after human AMI.

Methods

Thirty patients underwent PET at 7.7±3.8 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation AMI. Resting myocardial perfusion was evaluated using 15O-water PET followed by evaluation of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD uptake 60–75 minutes after injection of 179 MBq of tracer. Left ventricular function was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography on the day of PET, and at 6-month follow-up. The definition of the ischemic area at risk and remote myocardial segments was based on the culprit coronary arterial segments in invasive angiography. 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD images were co-registered with perfusion images and uptake was measured as the standardized uptake value in the segment with the highest uptake (SUVmax) in ischemic area at risk, and the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) in remote segments. In addition, we calculated 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD uptake corrected to the mean myocardial blood flow (MBF) in the area at risk (SUVmax/MBFmean) to account for reduced distribution of tracer in non-viable tissue.

Results

Mean age of patients was 64±9 years, and 90% were males. Uptake of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD was low in the remote myocardium, but focally increased in the ischemic area at risk (Figure 1). SUVmax in the ischemic area at risk was higher than SUVmean of the remote myocardium (0.73±0.16 vs. 0.51±0.11, p&lt;0.001). 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD SUVmax did not correlate with MBF in the area at risk. Univariable predictors of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD SUVmax in the area at risk included peak Troponin T (p&lt;0.001), peak pro-BNP (p&lt;0.001), low global longitudinal strain (p=0.01), and low regional longitudinal strain in the area at risk (p=0.02). In multivariable analysis, peak pro-BNP independently predicted SUVmax in the area at risk (p&lt;0.001). At follow-up, left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 1.6±6.9% and global longitudinal strain by 0.5±3.2%. In univariable analysis, SUVmax and SUVmax/MBFmean in the area at risk predicted improvement of global longitudinal strain at 6 months after AMI (p=0.04 and p&lt;0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

68Ga-NODAGA-RGD uptake shows increased αvβ3 integrin expression in the ischemic area at risk early after reperfused AMI that is associated with the extent of myocardial injury, both regional and global systolic dysfunction, and increased left ventricular filling pressure. Increased 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD uptake in ischemic myocardium at risk predicts left ventricular function improvement at 6 months after AMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Academy of Finland, Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research

[Analysis of the performance of a multi-view fusion and active contour constraint based deep learning algorithm for ossicles segmentation on 10 μm otology CT]

Objective: To explore the performance of a deep learning algorithm that combined multi-view fusion with active contour constrained for ossicles segmentation on the 10 μm otology CT images. Methods: The 10 μm otology CT image data from 79 cases (56 cases were from volunteers and 23 cases were from specimens) were retrospectively collected in the Radiology Department of Beijing Friendship Hospital from October 2019 to December 2020. An annotation of malleus, incus, and stapes were conducted. Then the datasets were established and were divided into training set (n=55), validation set (n=8), and test set (n=16). Using the rapid localization of the region of interest combined with the precise segmentation algorithm, the malleus, incus and stapes were segmented and fused from three perspectives of coronal, sagittal and cross-sectional views. Besides, an active contour loss was designed simultaneously for the segmentation of stapes. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used as the objective evaluation metric for the evaluation of the segmentation results. The inter group DSC of the proposed method was compared with that of the basic method and other methods. Results: The average DSC values of the multi-view fusion segmentation algorithm for malleus, incus and stapes reached up to 94.2%±2.7%, 94.6%±2.6% and 76.0%±5.5%, respectively. After adopting the constraint of active contour loss method, the average DSC of stapes was improved (76.4%±5.4% vs 76.0%±5.5%). The visualization results also demonstrated that the segmentation results of the stapes were more complete. Conclusions: Multi-view fusion algorithm based on 10 μm otology CT images can realize accurate segmentation of malleus and incus. Combined with the constraint of active contour loss method, the segmentation accuracy of stapes can be further improved.

[Identification of serum peptide biomarker for ovarian cancer diagnosis by Clin-TOF-II-MS combined with magnetic beads technology]

Objective: To explore the serum cyclic polypeptide biomarkers for ovarian cancer diagnosis. Methods: A total of 54 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer confirmed by pathology in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from March 2018 to September 2018 were selected as the study subjects, and 40 healthy women with normal examination results in the cancer screening center were selected as the control. All of the samples were randomly divided into training set and validation set at the ratio of 1∶1 with a random number. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with magnetic bead technology was used for detecting peptide profiling in serum samples to screen significantly differently expressed peptides between ovarian cancer group and control group of the training set (score>5). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to screen differential peptide peaks with area under curve (AUC) ≥0.8, sensitivity and specificity>90% in the training set and validation set. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was further used to determine the composition of differentially expressed peptides. Results: By comparing the peptide profiles of the two groups, 102 differential peptide peaks were initially detected in the mass-to-charge ratio range of 1 000 to 10 000. ROC curve analysis showed that there were 42 differential peptide peaks with AUC ≥0.8 in both training set and validation set, 19 of which were highly expressed in ovarian cancer group, and 23 were lowly expressed. There were 15 different peptide peaks in highly expressed ovarian cancer group with sensitivity and specificity over 90%. The mass-to-charge ratios were 7 744.27, 5 913.41, 5 329.87, 4 634.21, 4 202.02, 3 879.26, 3 273.35, 3 253.79, 3 234.34, 2 950.33, 2 664.51, 2 018.38, 1 893.37, 1 498.69 and 1 287.55. There were 15 different peptide peaks in lowly expressed ovarian cancer group with sensitivity and specificity over 90%, the mass-to-charge ratios were 9 288.46, 7 759.77, 5 925.24, 4 652.77, 4 210.42, 3 887.02, 3 279.90, 3 240.82, 2 962.15, 2 932.70, 2 022.42, 1 897.16, 1 501.69, 1 337.38 and 1 290.13. No protein composition was identified in 15 different peptide peaks in lowly expressed ovarian cancer group. The two protein compositions identified in 15 different peptide peaks in highly expressed ovarian cancer group were recombinant serglycin (SRGN) and fibinogen alpha chain (FGA), the mass-to-charge ratios of which were 1 498.696 and 5 913.417, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the two proteins for ovarian cancer diagnosis were 100%, 100% and 90.9%, 100%, respectively. Conclusion: SRGN and FGA are highly expressed in the serum of ovarian cancer patients, which may be potential diagnostic markers for ovarian cancer.

[Analysis of PARP inhibitors induced anemia in advanced and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer]

Objective: To explore the clinical features of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor-related anemia in advanced and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: Patients diagnosed with advanced or relapsed EOC and treated with PARP inhibitor at National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between January 2015 to October 2020 were accrued. The data included PARP inhibitors, treatment details, and lab tests before treatment and during treatment were collected and the clinical characteristics of PARP inhibitor-related anemia were analyzed. Results: (1) A total of 98 patients with a median age of 56.5 years old (30-82 years old) were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with PARP inhibitor (65 cases of olaparib, 17 cases of niraparib, and 16 cases of fluzoparib). The median treatment duration was 37.5 weeks (4-119 weeks). (2) The anemia rate was 40% (39/98), including 5% (5/98) of grade Ⅰ, 14% (14/98) of grade Ⅱ, 11% (11/98) of grade Ⅲ, and 9% (9/98) of grade Ⅳ. Fourteen patients with pre-treatment grade Ⅰ anemia had a higher rate of anemia events than the 80 patients without pre-treatment anemia, 7/14 vs 35% (28/80; χ²=4.281, P=0.039). (3) The median anemia occurrence time was 7.0 weeks (1-52 weeks), including 41% (16/39) of anemia cases occurred in 1-4 weeks, 26% (10/39) occurred in 5-8 weeks, 13% (5/39) occurred in 9-12 weeks, 3% (1/39) occurred in 13-16 weeks, 10% (4/39) occurred in 17-20 weeks, 8% (3/39) occurred ≥21 weeks. At the time of the lowest hemoglobulin tested, the median value of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 106 fl,which was higher than the up limit of normal range (100 fl), 74% (29/39) of anemia patients had an elevated MCV level; the median value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was 36 pg, 54% (21/39) of anemia patients had an elevated MCH level; the median value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was 320 g/L, 69% (27/39) of anemia patients had a higher MCHC level; 92% (36/39) of anemia patients had a normal level of serum iron; 79% (31/39) of anemia patients had a normal level of transferrin. 74% (29/39) of the anemia patients were macrocytic orthochromatic anemia. (4) Among the 39 patients with anemia, 20 patients (51%, 20/39) withhold the treatment of PARP inhibitor due to grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ anemia, including 10 patients (50%, 10/20) who resumed the PARP inhibitor treatment by suppling iron, folate, and vitamin B₁₂. The median stopping time of PARP inhibitor was 5.5 weeks (2-10 weeks), while the other 10 patients terminated the PARP inhibitor treatment for not recovering from severe anemia. Conclusions: One of the common adverse effects of PARP inhibitors is anemia, which mostly happened in the first 3 months of treatment. In the treatment of EOC, PARP inhibitor-related anemia mainly manifest as macrocytic orthochromatic anemia, and most patients with normal serum iron and transferrin.

[Influential factors related to osteoradionecrosis of the mandible in oral and maxillofacial cancer patients following radiotherapy]

Objective: To identify risk factors associated with mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in oral and maxillofacial cancer patients following radiotherapty and to provide scientific basis for the etiological research and clinical prevention of mandibular ORN. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in patients with oral and maxillofacial-head and neck cancer during the period from January 2013 to December 2015. Influential factors related to mandibular ORN were screened by single factor analysis, Lasso and Logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 757 patients were analyzed, and the total incidence of mandibular ORN was 12.0%(91/757). There were 443 males and 314 females, aged (51.8±13.7) years. Thirty-five related factors were screened to 28 by single factor analysis. It was determined by Lasso regression analysis that, radiation doses (OR=1.135, P=0.034, 95%CI: 1.089-1.232), T classification (OR=2.586, P=0.001, 95%CI: 1.482-4.512), mandibular surgery (OR=9.101, P<0.001, 95%CI: 2.796-29.630), periodontitis (OR=6.089, P<0.001, 95%CI: 2.708-13.693), diabetes (OR=4.467, P=0.002, 95%CI: 1.705-11.704), tooth extraction after radiotherapy (OR=3.228, P=0.001, 95%CI: 1.640-6.350), dental caries (OR=2.911, P=0.009, 95%CI: 1.300-6.516), periapical periodontitis (OR=2.726, P=0.016, 95%CI: 1.209-6.145), smoking (OR=4.438, P=0.002, 95%CI: 1.702-11.571) and unilateral/bilateral radiotherapy (OR=2.225, P=0.028, 95%CI: 1.090-4.545) were significantly associated with developing mandibular ORN. Conclusions: Ten main risk factors for mandibular ORN were identified through the single center, large sample, retrospective analysis, which has a certain value for clinical prevention of mandibular ORN. Prospective, randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up are still needed.

Low toxicity and high immunogenicity of an inactivated vaccine candidate against COVID-19 in different animal models

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing huge impact on health, life, and global economy, which is characterized by rapid spreading of SARS-CoV-2, high number of confirmed cases and a fatality/case rate worldwide reported by WHO. The most effective intervention measure will be to develop safe and effective vaccines to protect the population from the disease and limit the spread of the virus. An inactivated, whole virus vaccine candidate of SARS-CoV-2 has been developed by Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and Wuhan Institute of Virology. The low toxicity, immunogenicity, and immune persistence were investigated in preclinical studies using seven different species of animals. The results showed that the vaccine candidate was well tolerated and stimulated high levels of specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies. Low or no toxicity in three species of animals was also demonstrated in preclinical study of the vaccine candidate. Biochemical analysis of structural proteins and purity analysis were performed. The inactivated, whole virion vaccine was characterized with safe double-inactivation, no use of DNases and high purity. Dosages, boosting times, adjuvants, and immunization schedules were shown to be important for stimulating a strong humoral immune response in animals tested. Preliminary observation in ongoing phase I and II clinical trials of the vaccine candidate in Wuzhi County, Henan Province, showed that the vaccine is well tolerant. The results were characterized by very low proportion and low degree of side effects, high levels of neutralizing antibodies, and seroconversion. These results consistent with the results obtained from preclinical data on the safety.

Investigation of the Inhibitory Effect of Platycodin D in Human Transitional Cell Carcinoma Cell Line 5637

Platycodin D is an active component isolated from Chinese herb Platycodonis radix with various pharmacological activities, such as antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. Interestingly, platycodin D also exerts anticancer effects against several types of cancer. However, few studies on the anti-tumour effects of platycodin against urinary bladder cancer have been reported. In this study, we explored the anti-tumour effect of platycodin D against human bladder cancer and its mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. We found that platycodin D had significant anti-proliferative effects on four types of cancer cells, especially the 5637 bladder cancer cell line, and exerted these effects by preventing cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase, down-regulating Ki-67 and cyclin D1 protein expression and up-regulating P21 protein expression. Furthermore, platycodin D inhibited 5637 cell migration by decreasing twist-related protein 1 (Twist1) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) expression and exerted significant tumour-suppressive effects in tumour-bearing nude mice. Platycodin D also increased caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3, and p53 expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression in tumour tissues. Taken together, our results provide a theoretical basis for application of platycodin D in treating urinary bladder cancer.

Biochemical and antigenic characterization of the structural proteins and their post-translational modifications in purified SARS-CoV-2 virions of an inactivated vaccine candidate

In the face of COVID-19 pandemic caused by the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2, an inactivated, Vero cell-based, whole virion vaccine candidate has been developed and entered into phase III clinical trials within six months. Biochemical and immunogenic characterization of structural proteins and their post-translational modifications in virions, the end-products of the vaccine candidate, would be essential for the quality control and process development of vaccine products and for studying the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. By using a panel of rabbit antisera against virions and five structural proteins together with a convalescent serum, the spike (S) glycoprotein was shown to be N-linked glycosylated, PNGase F-sensitive, endoglycosidase H-resistant and cleaved by Furin-like proteases into S1 and S2 subunits. The full-length S and S1/S2 subunits could form homodimers/trimers. The membrane (M) protein was partially N-linked glycosylated; the accessory protein 3a existed in three different forms, indicative of cleavage and dimerization. Furthermore, analysis of the antigenicity of these proteins and their post-translationally modified forms demonstrated that S protein induced the strongest antibody response in both convalescent and immunized animal sera. Interestingly, immunization with the inactivated vaccine did not elicit antibody response against the S2 subunit, whereas strong antibody response against both S1 and S2 subunits was detected in the convalescent serum. Moreover, vaccination stimulated stronger antibody response against S multimers than did the natural infection. This study revealed that the native S glycoprotein stimulated neutralizing antibodies, while bacterially-expressed S fragments did not. The study on S modifications would facilitate design of S-based anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

[Current situation of screening, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic portal hypertension in Tibet region: a multicenter study]

Objective: To investigate and analyze the current situation, screening, clinical characteristics, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension in Tibet region. Methods: Clinical data of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension through March 2017 to February 2020 from Tibet region were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: 511 cases with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, of which 185 cases (36.20%) had compensated cirrhosis and 326 cases (63.80%) had decompensated cirrhosis. Further analysis of the etiological data of liver cirrhosis showed that 306 cases (59.88%) were of chronic hepatitis B, 113 cases (22.11%) of alcoholic liver disease, and 68 cases (13.31%) of chronic hepatitis B combined with alcoholic liver disease. Among patients with compensated liver cirrhosis, 48 cases (25.95%) underwent endoscopic examination of which 33 diagnosed as high-risk variceal bleeding. However, none of these 33 cases had received non-selective β-blocker therapy, and only four patients had received endoscopic variceal banding therapy. Among patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 83 cases (25.46%) had a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 297 cases (91.10%) had ascites, 23 cases (7.05%) had hepatic encephalopathy, and 3 cases (0.92%) had hepatorenal syndrome. Among the patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 42 cases (50.60%) had received secondary preventive treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, including 39 cases of endoscopic treatment, 1 case of endoscopic combined drug treatment, 3 cases of interventional treatment, and 2 cases of surgical treatment. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis B and alcoholic liver diseases are the main causes of liver cirrhosis in Tibet region. Moreover, this region lacks screening, prevention and treatment for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the screening of high-risk groups to prevent and improve the first-time bleeding, and promote multidisciplinary team to prevent and treat re-bleeding.

[Analysis of treatment and prognosis of 59 cases of vulvar melanoma]

Objective: To assess the treatment and prognosis of vulvar melanoma. Methods: A total of 59 cases of primary vulvar melanoma admitted to Cancer Hospital of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 1st, 1981 to November 30th, 2019 were collected. The clinical characteristics, treatment, survival and prognostic factors of vulvar melanoma were analyzed retrospectively. The end date of follow-up was January 15th, 2020.The median follow-up time was 26.0 months (range:2-198 months). Results: (1) Clinical characteristics: the median age of 59 patients with vulvar melanoma was 56 years old (range:18-83 years old). According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage manual, there were 18, 7, 26 and 8 cases of stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ respectively. The lesion of 38 cases was single and the other 21 cases were multiple. The largest diameter of the tumor ranged from 0.3 to 17.0 cm.The surface of the lesion was ulcerated in 17 cases. (2) Treatment: a total of 59 cases with vulvar melanoma, 56 patients received surgery, 36 cases of them received radical resection of vulva and 20 received local extended resection of vulvar tumor due to unilateral vulva lesion. Three patients did not receive surgery,one received chemotherapy combined with interferon, one received interferon, and one received radiotherapy. Lymph node management: among the 56 patients treated by surgery, 37 patients received inguinal lymphadenectomy, 24 (65%, 24/37) of whom were confirmed with inguinal lymph node metastasis by postoperative pathological examination. Inguinal lymph nodes enlargement were not found in 19 cases by preoperative imaging and clinical examination. In these 19 patients, three patients received inguinal lymph node biopsy, among them, one (1/3) patient was confirmed with inguinal lymph node metastasis by postoperative pathological examination, and the remaining 16 patients did not receive inguinal lymph node surgery. Postoperative adjuvant treatment: among the 56 patients who received surgery, 31 received adjuvant chemotherapy，one received adjuvant radiotherapy, four received interferon therapy, 17 received combination therapy including chemotherapy, and three did not receive postoperative adjuvant therapy. (3) Survival:during the follow-up period, the median survival time of 59 patients with vulvar melanoma was 30.0 months (range:2.0-198.0 months). The 3-year survival rate was 42.5%, and the 5-year survival rate was 23.8%. The median survival time of stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were 72.0, 45.0, 24.0 and 23.0 months, respectively. The difference among stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and stage Ⅲ, Ⅳ were statistically significant （P<0.01）. The median survival time of patients undergoing radical resection of the vulva (35.0 months) and local enlarged tumor resection (29.0 months) were significantly longer than that of patients without surgery (9.0 months, P<0.01). The median survival time of the patients who underwent inguinal lymphadenectomy, lymph node biopsy and those who did not undergo surgery were 35.0, 32.0 and 30.0 months, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 3 groups (P>0.05). The median survival time of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy patients (49.0 months) were significantly longer than that of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, interferon,and combination therapy including chemotherapy (9.0, 14.0 and 26.0 months, respectively, all P<0.01). (4) Prognostic factors: the univariate analysis showed that stage, vulvar operation and postoperative adjuvant treatment were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with vulvar melanoma (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that stage alone was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients with vulvar melanoma (P<0.01). Conclusions: The prognosis of patients with vulvar melanoma is poor, and stage is an independent prognostic factor.Surgery combined with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may achieve relatively good results.

[Molecular epidemiology of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from ready-to-eat food in 2017 in China]

Objective: To analyze the molecular characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes strains from ready-to eat food in China. Methods: A total of 239 Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from ready-to-eat food in 2017, all strains underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) , and comparisons uncovered population structure derived from lineages, clonal complex, serogroups, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence, which were inferred in silico from the WGS data. Core genome multilocus sequence typing was used to subtype isolates. Results: All strains were categorized into three different lineages, lineage Ⅱ was the predominant types in food, and IIa was the main serogroups. CC8, CC101 and CC87 were the first three prevalent CCs among 23 detected CCs, accounting for 49.4%. Only 4.6% (11 isolates) of tested strains harbored antibiotic resistance genes, which were mostly trimethoprim genes (7 isolates, 2.9%). All strains were positive for LIPI-1, and only a part of strains harbored LIPI-3 and LIPI-4, accounting for 13.8% (33 isolates) and 14.2% (34 isolates), respectively. ST619 carried both LIPI-3 and LIPI-4. 51.5% (123 isolates) of strains carried SSI-1, and all CC121 strains harbored SSI-2. Different lineages, serogroups and CCs can be separated obviously through cgMLST analysis, and 24 sublineages were highly concordant with CCs. Conclusion: Ⅱa was the main serogroups in ready-to-eat food isolates in China; CC8, CC101 and CC87 were the prevalent CCs, and CC87 isolates was hypervirulent isolates, cgMLST method can be adopted for prospective foodborne disease surveillance and outbreaks detection.

[Analysis of effects and postoperative clinicopathological prognosis factors of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage Ⅰb2 and Ⅱa2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix]

Objective: To explore the effects and postoperative prognostic factors in cervical cancer patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with surgery and post-operative adjuvant therapy. Methods: A total of 177 patients with cervical cancer at International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage Ⅰ b2, Ⅱ a2 who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by surgery with and without adjuvant therapy in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses of 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate were performed. Results: Of 177 patients, 133 (75.1%) had stage Ⅰb2 and 44 (24.9%) had Ⅱa2 cancers. After NACT, overall response rate was 63.3% (112/177) including 12 cases of complete response (CR), 100 of partial response (PR) and no progressive disease (PD) case. At a median follow-up of 59.2 months, the 5-year DFS rate was 73.6% and the 5-year OS rate was 86.8%. Univariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis, deep stromal invasion and tumor size after NACT significantly affected 5-year DFS rate (P<0.05). Lymph node metastasis, deep stromal invasion and tumor size after NACT significantly affected 5-year OS rate (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that, stromal invasion (outer 1/3 or outer 1/2) was independent risk factor of 5-year DFS rate (P<0.05), and 5-year OS rate was significantly affected by tumor size >3 cm after NACT (P<0.05). Conclusions: The effect of NACT in Ⅰ b2, Ⅱ a2 squamous carcinoma of the uterined cervix is confirmed. The independent risk factor for 5-year DFS rate in patients received NACT and hysterectomy is deep stromal invasion of the cervix. The presence of tumor size >3 cm after NACT adversely affect 5-year OS rate.

[Efficacy and side effect analysis of paclitaxel liposome for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and side effect of paclitaxel liposome for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods: This study were included 265 cervical cancer patients staging Ⅰb2 and Ⅱa2 who underwent paclitaxel-platinum NACT followed by radical surgery from June 2008 to December 2016 in the Cancer Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. All patients were classified into two groups with 106 patients in paclitaxel liposome group and 159 patients in traditional paclitaxel group. The difference in clinicopathologic characteristics, efficacy and side effect were analyzed retrospectively between the two groups. Results: (1) Clinicopathologic characteristics: there were no significant difference in clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups, including age, body mass index, clinical stage, pathological histology, cycles of NACT, combined platinum regimen, lymph-vascular space invasion, lymph node metastasis, deep stromal invasion, and postoperative adjuvant therapy (all P>0.05). (2) Efficacy: after NACT, the overall response occurred in 90 (15 complete response plus 75 partial response) of 106 cases in the paclitaxel liposome group versus 131 (21 complete response plus 110 partial response) of 159 cases in the traditional paclitaxel group without statistical significance (84.9% vs 82.4%; χ(2)=0.291, P=0.590). A total of 248 patients received surgery after NACT and were evaluable in survival. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of these patients was 85.1% and 88.2%. The 5-year RFS rate in the paclitaxel liposome group was 85.9% compared with 85.2% in the traditional paclitaxel group, while the corresponding 5-year OS rate was 88.5% and 88.7%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the two groups (P=0.968, P=0.797). (3) Side effect: the incidence of allergic reaction between the paclitaxel liposome group and the traditional paclitaxel group was 0 versus 1.9% (3/159) without statistical significance (P=0.277). But the incidence of neurotoxicity in the paclitaxel liposome group significantly decreased compared with the traditional paclitaxel group (6.6% vs 15.7%, P<0.05), as well as the incidence of alopecia (67.9% vs 79.2%, P<0.05) and myalgia (17.9% vs 28.9%, P<0.05). However, significant differences were not found in terms of hematological toxicity, gastrointestinal reaction, and hepatic function damage (P>0.05). Conclusion: In paclitaxel-platinum NACT of local advanced cervical cancer, paclitaxel liposome can achieve similar efficacy compared with traditional paclitaxel, but paclitaxel liposome is helpful in decreasing the toxicity of neurotoxicity, alopecia and myalgia.

[Clinical features of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusions-single-center study]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment methods and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusions (Xp11.2 tRCC). Methods: From January 2007 to February 2018, 48 patients were diagnosed with Xp11.2 tRCC at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The epidemiological features, treatment methods and long-term follow-up results were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of the 48 patients, 20 cases were female and 28 cases were male, aged from 2 to 72 years. Gross hematuria and flank pain were the most frequent symptoms, which occurred on 14 cases and 8 cases respectively. The mean tumor size of 48 cases was (5.3±2.5)cm. Among the 34 cases who were classified as stageⅠ/Ⅱ, 14 cases received laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery(NSS)and 20 cases received radical nephrectomy(RN). The other 14 cases who were classified as stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ received RN but one case received target therapy. On univariate analysis, tumor diameter, adjuvant treatment, AJCC stage, lymph node metastasis and vein tumor thrombosis showed association with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that AJCC stage (P=0.023, 95% CI: 0.048-0.081)and vein tumor thrombosis (P=0.046, 95% CI: 1.004-1.590)were independent prognostic factors of PFS. Conclusions: Xp11.2 tRCC mainly occurs in females. RN was the major method for Xp11.2 tRCC. However, NSS can also receive satisficed results for stage T1a case. High AJCC stage and the occurrence of vein tumor thrombosis indicated poor prognosis.

[Detection and Analysis of the peripheral lymphocytes micronucleus rate of radiation workers in a city]

Objective: To perform lymphocyte micronucleus analysis on radiation workers with long-term exposure to low doses ionizing radiation, Evaluate the health condition of radiation workers, and provide the evidence for strengthening surveillance of radiation workers. Methods: From January 1, 2013 to December 21, 2016, a statistical analysis and evaluation was conducted of the peripheral lymphocytes micronucleus rate in 5 901 radiation workers who had undergone medical examinations of employees at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Radiation Medicine. Results: The micronucleus rates in radiation workers of the on-job group were higher than the pre-job group (P<0.01) . Significant difference was found among the different sex (t=5.97) , different types (χ(2)=378.69) , different levels of work units (χ(2)=115.48) . Significant difference was found among the micronucleus rates of 672 radiation workers of the on-job group from 2013 to 2016 (χ(2)=92.57, P<0.01) . Conclusion: The peripheral lymphocytes micronucleus rate of radiation workers were significantly higher than non-contact workers. Significant increasing trend of micronucleus rates was noted among the radiation worker with increasing exposure time. The peripheral lymphocytes micronucleus rates of interventional therapy workers were highest. The peripheral lymphocytes micronucleus rates of Private hospitals workers were highest. This phenomenon deserves attention. Protection needs to be strengthened to ensure the health of radiation workers.

SRPK1 gene silencing promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and vascular remodeling via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in a rat model of intracranial aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a life threatening cerebrovascular disease characterized by phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and loss of vessel cells. In addition to environmental factors, genetic factors have been proposed to be a critical factor in the onset and progression of IA. The present study investigates the effects of serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) on VSMC proliferation and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro, as well as its role in vascular remodeling in vivo through PI3 K/Akt signaling in IA.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes related to IA were initially identified using microarray analysis. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to determine SRPK1 expression in the vascular walls in IA and normal cerebral vascular walls. TUNEL staining were applied to observe cell apoptosis patterns of VSMCs. VSMC proliferation and apoptosis in vitro were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry. The expressions of SRPK1, PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway- and apoptosis-related genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Microarray data of GSE36791 and GSE54083 were analyzed to determine the selection of SRPK1 gene. The vascular walls in IA rat models produced high levels of SRPK1 expression and an activated PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. VSMCs treated with siRNA-SRPK1 exhibited enhanced cell proliferation, repressed cell apoptosis, and increased vascular remodeling, all of which suggest the inhibition of the PI3 K/AKT pathway. Notably, PI3 K/AKT pathway reversed the effect of SRPK1 silencing.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that siRNA-mediated silencing of SRPK1 gene inhibits VSMC apoptosis, and increases VSMCs proliferation and vascular remodeling in IA via the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. Our findings provide a novel intervention target for the molecular treatment of IA.

[Application of 3D virtual reality technology with multi-modality fusion in resection of glioma located in central sulcus region]

Objective: To explore the clinical and teaching application value of virtual reality technology in preoperative planning and intraoperative guide of glioma located in central sulcus region. Method: Ten patients with glioma in the central sulcus region were proposed to surgical treatment. The neuro-imaging data, including CT, CTA, DSA, MRI, fMRI were input to 3dgo sczhry workstation for image fusion and 3D reconstruction. Spatial relationships between the lesions and the surrounding structures on the virtual reality image were obtained. These images were applied to the operative approach design, operation process simulation, intraoperative auxiliary decision and the training of specialist physician. Results: Intraoperative founding of 10 patients were highly consistent with preoperative simulation with virtual reality technology. Preoperative 3D reconstruction virtual reality images improved the feasibility of operation planning and operation accuracy. This technology had not only shown the advantages for neurological function protection and lesion resection during surgery, but also improved the training efficiency and effectiveness of dedicated physician by turning the abstract comprehension to virtual reality. Conclusion: Image fusion and 3D reconstruction based virtual reality technology in glioma resection is helpful for formulating the operation plan, improving the operation safety, increasing the total resection rate, and facilitating the teaching and training of the specialist physician.

[Prognostic analysis of stage Ⅰb2 andⅡa2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy]

Objective: To analyze the prognosis of Ⅰb2 and Ⅱa2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical hysterectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage Ⅰ b2 and Ⅱ a2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors who underwent platinum-based NACT followed by radical surgery from January 2008 to January 2015. The responses of NACT were observed and compared in their effect on postoperative pathologic risk factors. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were performed to analyze survival status. Results: This study was recruited 282 patients with the average age of (44.4±6.7) years old. After NACT, 42 patients achieved complete response [CR, 14.9% (42/282) ], while 138 patients achieved partial response [PR, 48.9% (138/282) ] and 102 stable disease [SD, 36.2% (102/282) ]. The rate of pathologic diameter ≥4 cm, deep stromal invasion (DSI) positive and lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) positive rate decreased significantly in CR and PR group compared with SD group (P<0.05) . The number of postoperative risk factors in CR, PR and SD groups varied significantly (χ(2)=64.869, P=0.000) . Besides, the rate of multiple intermediate risk factors was respectively 0 vs 13.8% vs 45.1% (χ(2)=7.107, P=0.008) . The disease relapsed in 23 patients, and 12 died. On the whole series, 5-year overall survival rate was 91.7%, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 88.9%. The rate of recurrence (P=0.002) and mortality (P=0.036) were higher in LVSI positive patients compared with LVSI negative. And the rate of recurrence was higher in patients with multiple intermediate risk factors, compared with no or one intermediate risk factors (P=0.002) . Univariate analysis revealed that LVSI positive and multiple intermediate risk factors were the factors predicted recurrence and mortality (P<0.05) , and no significance in age, stage, tumor grade, tumor diameter before or after NACT, response to NACT, or DSI positive factors (all P>0.05) . The multivariate analysis showed that, the factor of primary tumor diameter ≥6 cm (P=0.022) and multiple intermediate risk factors (P=0.001) were independent prognostic variables for recurrent-free survival. Besides, multiple intermediate risk factors was independent prognostic variable for overall survival (P=0.034) . After surgery, 107 patients did not receive adjuvant therapy, while 175 patients received adjuvant therapy with 26 radiotherapy, 46 chemotherapy and 103 concurrent radiochemotherapy. On survival analysis of postoperative adjuvant treatment, 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of radiotherapy group was significantly lower in patients with the factor of SD response to NACT (P=0.011) and multiple intermediate risk factors (P=0.008) , while overall no significance in overall survival rate (P>0.05) . Conclusions: NACT may be play beneficial role in relieving the status of intermediate risk factors for stage Ⅰ b2 and Ⅱ a2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors. The status of multiple intermediate risk factors is independent prognostic factors for recurrence and mortality. For patients with multiple intermediate risk factors, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy might be the better choice to prevent relapse.

[Clinical Analysis of Surgery for Recurrent Cervical Cancer: A Review of 45 Cases]

Objective: To study the efficacy of surgery for recurrent cervical cancer and the influencing factors on prognosis. Methods: To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 45 patients with recurrent cervical cancer undergoing surgical treatment in our hospital from January 1980 to October 2015, and study their clinical features and prognosis. Results: The Recurrence Free Interval (RFI) of these 45 patients was 3~120 months, and their median RFI was 15 months. Of the 45 cases, 21 recurred inside the radiotherapy field, including 18 with central recurrence and 3 with non-central recurrence; and 24 recurred outside the radiotherapy field, including 16 with pelvic recurrence who did not receive radiotherapy and 8 with distant recurrence. The overall survival time after recurrence of these 45 cases was (39.1±1.0) months, and their 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 55.6% and 22.2%, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that clinical stage, RFI, recurrent site, and initial treatment method affected the survival rate of the patients with recurrent cervical cancer (P<0.05), while the multivariate analysis revealed that recurrent site was an independent prognostic factor for recurrent cervical cancer (P=0.047). Conclusions: Appropriate surgery should be chosen for recurrent cervical cancer according to initial treatment and recurrent site. For patients with central recurrence inside their radiotherapy field, surgery is an effective treatment. Surgery is also suitable for patients without previous radiotherapy and with isolated recurrence, and adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy can improve their survival.

Primary cultures of mouse small intestinal epithelial cells using the dissociating enzyme type I collagenase and hyaluronidase

The epithelium is a highly dynamic system, which plays a crucial role in the homeostasis of the intestinal tract. However, studies on the physiological and pathophysiological functions of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) have been hampered due to lack of normal epithelial cell models. In the present study, we established a reproducible method for primary culture of mouse IECs, which were isolated from the viable small intestinal crypts of murine fetuses (on embryonic day 19), using type I collagenase and hyaluronidase in a short span of time (≤20 min). With this method, continuously growing mouse IECs, which can be subcultured over a number of passages, were obtained. The obtained cell lines formed a tight cobblestone-like arrangement, displayed long and slender microvilli, expressed characteristic markers (cytokeratin 18 and Notch-1), and generated increasing transepithelial electrical resistance and low paracellular permeability during in vitro culture. The cells also had enzymatic activities of alkaline phosphatase and sucrase-isomaltase, and secreted various cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), responding to the stimulation of Escherichia coli. These results show that the primary-cultured mouse IECs obtained by the method established here had the morphological and immunological characteristics of IECs. This culture system can be a beneficial in vitro model for studies on mucosal immunology and toxicology.

[Clinical application of hybrid surgery for the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations]

Objective: To investigate the application of hybrid technique for the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) and to assess the value of hybrid technique. Methods: The cases of CAVMs treated in Qilu hospital and People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2011 to July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.Two modes of hybrid surgery, "angiographic diagnosis-craniotomy lesion resection or/and hematoma clearance-intraoperative angiography evaluation" and "angiographic diagnosis-intraoperative embolization-craniotomy lesion resection or/and hematoma clearance-intraoperative angiography evaluation" were applied for all the cases.We placed an aneurysm clip as marker in surgery field during real-time angiography.If CAVMs residues occurred during surgery, we re-resected the residue according to the guidance of the marker (clip) and DSA imaging. Intra-operative angiography evaluated the results of CAVMs resection one more time.Postoperatively, follow-up CT scan was performed for all the patients. Results: Of all the cases with CAVMs, there were 8 cases of scale Ⅰ, 13 cases of scale Ⅱ, 10 cases of scale Ⅲ and 6 cases of scale Ⅳ according to Spetzler-Martin Scale.There were 28 cases of acute hemorrhagic CAVMs and 9 cases of chronic hemorrhagic CAVMs or no-hemorrhagic CAVMs.Intra-operative angiography showed CAVMs residues in 6 cases of acute hemorrhagic CAVMs and only one in chronic group.About 18.92% residual rate of CAVMs were found for the first time intra-operative assessment angiography.With the guidance of intra-operative angiography and aneurysm clip as Marker, all residues of CAVMs were resected totally.Follow up CT showed the hematomas disappeared in all the cases of acute hemorrhagic cases.The cure rate of CAVMs with hybrid surgery was 100% according to the final intra-operative assessment angiography. Conclusions: (1)Hybrid surgery for the treatment of CAVMs in one session could evaluate the results of CAVMs resection and instruct the surgical procedure according to real-time angiography.This model could improve the treatment safety and efficacy for patients with CAVMs.(2)Patients with higher Spetzler-Martin Scale (Ⅲ-Ⅳ) who need intra-operative embolization and patients with hemorrhagic CAVMs are more suitable for hybrid surgery.

Barriers to Healthcare Access for International Students in China

The objective of this study was to identify different barriers to healthcare access for international students in China. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive study using both qualitative and quantitative method. A representative sample of international students of a reputed university in China completed a mail back survey having a response rate of 7.5%. Identified barriers are classified as Cognitive, Financial and Structural barriers. One third (36.9%) international students perceived their health condition in China as bad in comparison with their home countries. More than two third of the students did not know their health insurance coverage. Around 71% students agreed that language was a barrier to health care access in China and majority of them think that interpreter service should be available at hospitals. To improve healthcare access - formal interpreter services, translated materials, reconsideration of health insurance should be taken into account. As per our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate healthcare access barriers for international students in China. Further large scale study should be undertaken.

[Safety and efficacy of partial nephrectomy for solitary kidney tumor]

Objective: To explore the safety and clinical efficacy of partial nephrectomy for solitary kidney tumor. Methods: Twenty patients with a functional or anatomic solitary kidney who underwent nephron-sparing surgery for one or more renal masses were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 male and 5 female patients with mean age of 63 years.Patients were divided into open partial nephrectomy(OPN) group and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN) group, the two groups were followed up.Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using student t-test for continuous variables, and the χ² test for categorical variables. Results: There were 21 tumors whose maximum diameter were 1.5 to 6.0 cm, the mean size was (3.7±1.3)cm, mean operative time was (205.3±81.8)minutes, and median estimated blood loss was 385.6 ml.Five cases accepted blood transfusion intro-operation, 1 case appeared leakage of urine post-operation, none had obvious fever.Eighteen cases were clear cell carcinoma, 2 cases were chromophobe renal carcinoma, 1 case was papillary renal cell carcinoma.Seventeen cases were T1aNxM0, 3 cases were T1bNxM0, 1 case was T3NxM0.One case lost to follow up, the others had completed a mean follow-up of 21.5 months (ranging from 1 to 53 months). One case recurred, no one had metastasis, all patients were alive.The hemoglobin ((114.9±19.6)g/L) and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) ((46.5±18.2) ml/min) of postoperative day were lesser than pre-operation ((130.7±18.8)g/L, (58.0±16.4) ml/min), while the serum creatinine was higher ((123.8±39.8) μmol/L vs.(90.9±33.2) μmol/L). Three months after operation, hemoglobin, serum creatinine and eGFR had no difference with pre-operative.Compared with OPN group, LPN group gain less blood loss (306 ml vs.510 ml)(t=-2.38, P=0.03), had shorter length of stays (15 d vs.21 d)(t=-3.34, P=0.04), had longer time of renal artery clamping (25.8 min vs.16.5 min)(t=2.60, P=0.02). Conclusions: Partial nephrectomy is secure and effective selection for solitary kidney tumor.The LPN has less trauma, gain less blood loss, recover faster and has shorter length of stays than the OPN, which needs shorter ischaemic time.

[Analysis of 13 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma in the female genital tract]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features, treatments and prognostic factors of rhabdomyosarcoma(RMS)in the female genital tract.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 13 cases of RMS in the female genital tract. Clinical characteristics, treatments and prognosis were compared and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

The median age was 21.0 years(range, 6 to 54 years). There were 6 cases vaginal RMS and 7 cases cervical RMS, included 11 cases of embryonal RMS(ERMS)and 2 cases of alveolar RMS(ARMS). According to the Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)staging system, there were 6 cases of stage Ⅰ , 3 cases of stage Ⅱ, 1 case of stage Ⅲ and 3 cases of stage Ⅳ, the median survival time were respectively 112.5, 153.0, 9.0 and 3.5 months. According to the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcom Study Group(IRSG)staging system, there were 10 cases of stage Ⅰ and 3 cases of the stage Ⅳ, and their median survival time were respectively 112.5 and 3.5 months. Nine patients received surgery and the median survival time was 108.0 months(range, 9 to 228 months), 6 of them received chemotherapy after surgery and the median survival time was 152.0 months(range, 9 to 228 months), the other 3 cases did not receive any therapy after surgery and the median survival time was 25.0 months(range, 9 to 108 months). Four patients did not receive surgery and the median survival time was 6.3 months(range, 1 to 117 months). There were 2 cases received combined treatment included radiotherapy and the survival time were respectively 4 and 198 months. There were 8 cases who was survival without disease and 5 cases died of cancer. The median survival time in 13 patients was 25.0 months(range, 1 to 228 months)and the 5-year overall survival rate was 58.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of early stage of RMS in the female genital tract is good. While, the prognosis of advanced stage is poor. The standard treatment strategy is combination of surgery and chemotherapy, whether radiotherapy could improve the prognosis still need further study.

Effect of egg weight on composition, embryonic growth, and expression of amino acid transporter genes in yolk sac membranes and small intestines of the domestic pigeon (Columba livia)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of egg weight on the composition of the egg, the growth of the embryo, and the expression of amino acid transporter genes in the yolk sac membranes and small intestines of the domestic pigeon (Columba livia). A total of 240 fertilized eggs were collected and divided into two groups based on the weight of the eggs, light (LE) and heavy (HE). The composition of 20 eggs from each group was measured, and the remaining eggs were weighed and placed in an incubator. On embryonic days (E) 9, 11, 13, and 15 and day of hatch (DOH), 15 embryos/hatchlings from each group were measured for embryonic growth, and samples were collected. The HE had heavier yolk and albumen weights than the LE (P < 0.01). Compared with the LE, the HE had heavier yolk-free embryonic body and yolk sac weights from E13 to DOH (P < 0.05). Additionally, the HE had larger yolk sac membrane weights from E13 to E15 (P < 0.05) and had more residual yolk sac content on DOH than those of the LE (P < 0.01). The yolk absorption was greater for the HE than for the LE from E11 to E13 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the abundance of CAT2 and PepT1 mRNA in the yolk sac membranes was greater in the HE than in the LE on E13 (P < 0.05). Compared with the LE, the gene expression of EAAT2 in the intestine on E13 was greater in the HE, whereas the expression of EAAT3 was lower in the HE (P < 0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that egg weight influenced the composition of the eggs, embryonic development, and expression of amino acid transporter genes in the yolk sac membranes and small intestines of pigeon embryos.

Isolation and characterization of Calcineurin B-like gene (PbCBL1) and its promoter in birch-leaf pear (Pyrus betulifolia Bunge)

Calcium plays a critical role in regulating abiotic stress responses in plants. Calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins are calcium sensors in calcium signaling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium signaling remain to be elucidated. In this study, the CBL1 gene, which codes for the CBL protein, was isolated from the birch-leaf pear. One 2,969-bp sequence was cloned using PCR, and using the cloned 2,027-bp sequence was isolated from pear genomic DNA via genome walking. Sequencing analysis revealed that the 4,996-bp sequence was a PbCBL1 gene consisting of eight exons and seven introns, and the 2,027-bp sequence was identified as the promoter of the PbCBL1 gene, which contains the basic promoter elements TATA and CAAT boxes. In addition, some other cis-acting elements including heat, cold, drought, and hormone responsive elements were also present. To further investigate the activity of this promoter, the sequence was used to drive a GUS fusion gene into leaf discs of tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. GUS gene expression could be regulated by the PbCBL1 promoter following induction by GA, ABA, SA, and MeJA. Furthermore, the results of real-time RT-qPCR indicate that the PbCBL1 gene can respond to changes in the intracellular calcium concentration, and that it can be induced by cold, heat, drought, and stress by several hormones including GA, ABA, SA, and MeJA. PbCBL1 gene may be involved in several signal transduction pathways, and play an important role in the condition of adversity stress in pear.

Peanut violaxanthin de-epoxidase alleviates the sensitivity of PSII photoinhibition to heat and high irradiance stress in transgenic tobacco

KEY MESSAGE

This is the first study on peanut VDE, which led to multiple biochemical and physiological changes to heat and HI stress by improving de-epoxidation of the xanthophylls cycle. A peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) violaxanthin de-epoxidase gene (AhVDE) was isolated by RT-PCR and RACE methods. The deduced amino acid sequence of AhVDE showed high identities with violaxanthin de-epoxidase of other plant species. The expression of AhVDE was obviously upregulated by 4, 40 °C and high light, NaCl, and abscisic acid. Sense and RNAi transgenic tobaccos were further used to investigate the physiological effects and functional mechanism of AhVDE. Compared with WT, the content of Z, the ratio of (A + Z)/(V + A + Z) and the non-photochemical quenching were higher in sense plants, and lower in the RNAi lines under heat and high irradiance (HI) stress, respectively. Additionally, photoinhibition of photosystem II (PSII) reflected by the maximal photochemical efficiency in WT lines was more severe, and in the RNAi lines was the most severe compared with that in the sense lines. Meanwhile, overexpressing AhVDE also led to multiple biochemical and physiological changes under heat and HI stress. Higher activities of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase, lower content of reactive oxygen species and slighter membrane damage were observed in sense lines after heat and HI stress. These results suggested that, peanut VDE can alleviate PSII photoinhibition to heat and HI stress by improving the xanthophyll cycle-dependent energy dissipation.

Acute pulmonary embolism caused by highly aggregated intravenous immunoglobulin

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Six patients died and one patient survived following infusion of a specific lot of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) within half an hour in May 2008. This study elucidated the underlying pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A variety of protein fractionation and identification approaches were employed to determine the abnormal components in IVIG products obtained from the hospital where the patients were treated. Animal studies using mice and monkeys were conducted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms. In animal experiments, the effect and distribution of immunoglobulin was investigated using HE staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) separately, while platelets and fibrinogen depletion were utilized to determine a possible link between thromboembolism formation in animals and the lethal effect of the IVIG. The size and distribution of the protein aggregates were determined with Coulter Counter Multisizer-3 after the dilution of the IVIG with plasma, and the lethal effect of the protein aggregates was simulated with artificial microparticles.

RESULTS

The IVIG retrieved from the hospital was found to have striking similarities to the heat-treated IVIG in terms of protein aggregation profiles and lethal effects. Post-mortem examination indicated that immunoglobulin aggregates were mainly found in the lung of the animals, while depletion of platelets and fibrinogen from the IVIG preparations failed to prevent the death of the animals. Similar amount of artificial microparticles caused animal death in similar fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the retrieved IVIG exerted its lethal effects by blocking the pulmonary circulation without markedly altering the coagulation cascade or immunological events.

Calcium contributes to photoprotection and repair of photosystem II in peanut leaves during heat and high irradiance

In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous calcium nitrate on photoinhibition and thylakoid protein level in peanut plants under heat (40°C) and high irradiance (HI) (1,200 µmol/m(2) per s) stress. Compared with control seedlings (cultivated in 0 mmol/L Ca(NO3 )2 medium), the maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) in Ca(2+) -treated plants showed a slight decrease after 5 h stress, accompanied by lower degree of PSII closure (1-qP), higher non-photochemical quenching, and lower level of membrane damage. Ca(2+) inhibitors were used to analyze the varieties of antioxidant enzymes activity and PSII proteins. These results indicated that Ca(2+) could protect the subunits of PSII reaction centers from photoinhibition by reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. In the presence of both ethyleneglycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-tetraacetic acid and ascorbic acid (AsA), the net degradation of the damaged D1 protein was faster than that only treated with AsA. Our previous study showed that either the transcriptional or the translational level of calmodulin was obviously higher in Ca(2+) -treated plants. These results suggested that, under heat and HI stress, the Ca(2+) signal transduction pathway can alleviate the photoinhibition through regulating the protein repair process besides an enhanced capacity for scavenging reactive oxygen species.

Isolation and functional characterisation of CDPKs gene from Arachis hypogaea under salt stress

One of salt-induced calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) gene was isolated from Arachis hypogeae L. by RACE method. The cDNA full length was 2241bp deposited in GenBank (number KF437909), designated as AhCDPK. The coding region sequence of AhCDPK was 1629bp and encoded a protein of 542 amino acids. The molecular weight and the theoretical isoelectric point of AhCDPK was 60.96kDa and 5.61 respectively. Amino acid sequence analysis indicated that AhCDPK has highest similarity and homology with Glycine max L. In addition, the AhCDPK amino acids were predicted to encode a hydrophilic protein which localised in the endoplasmic reticulum. AhCDPK seemed to transcript in all peanut organs, and had the highest expression in seeds. The expression of AhCDPK could be strongly induced by both Ca2+ and NaCl. When exposed to salt stress, overexpressing AhCDPK in tobacco could alleviate PSII photoinhibition by improving physiological states, such as reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), improving the activity of antioxidant defence system enzymes and improving the accumulation of osmotic regulation substance. These results showed that AhCDPK has the same functions as that of G. max, and it could play an important role for peanut to resist salt stress.

Exogenous calcium alleviates photoinhibition of PSII by improving the xanthophyll cycle in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) leaves during heat stress under high irradiance

Peanut is one of the calciphilous plants. Calcium (Ca) serves as a ubiquitous central hub in a large number of signaling pathways. The effect of exogenous calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] (6 mM) on the dissipation of excess excitation energy in the photosystem II (PSII) antenna, especially on the level of D1 protein and the xanthophyll cycle in peanut plants under heat (40°C) and high irradiance (HI) (1 200 µmol m(-2) s(-1)) stress were investigated. Compared with the control plants [cultivated in 0 mM Ca(NO3)2 medium], the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) in Ca(2+)-treated plants showed a slighter decrease after 5 h of stress, accompanied by higher non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), higher expression of antioxidative genes and less reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Meanwhile, higher content of D1 protein and higher ratio of (A+Z)/(V+A+Z) were also detected in Ca(2+)-treated plants under such stress. These results showed that Ca(2+) could help protect the peanut photosynthetic system from severe photoinhibition under heat and HI stress by accelerating the repair of D1 protein and improving the de-epoxidation ratio of the xanthophyll cycle. Furthermore, EGTA (a chelant of Ca ion), LaCl3 (a blocker of Ca(2+) channel in cytoplasmic membrane), and CPZ [a calmodulin (CaM) antagonist] were used to analyze the effects of Ca(2+)/CaM on the variation of (A+Z)/(V+A+Z) (%) and the expression of violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE). The results indicated that CaM, an important component of the Ca(2+) signal transduction pathway, mediated the expression of the VDE gene in the presence of Ca to improve the xanthophyll cycle.

Enhanced tunnelling electroresistance effect due to a ferroelectrically induced phase transition at a magnetic complex oxide interface

The range of recently discovered phenomena in complex oxide heterostructures, made possible owing to advances in fabrication techniques, promise new functionalities and device concepts. One issue that has received attention is the bistable electrical modulation of conductivity in ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) in response to a ferroelectric polarization of the tunnelling barrier, a phenomenon known as the tunnelling electroresistance (TER) effect. Ferroelectric tunnel junctions with ferromagnetic electrodes allow ferroelectric control of the tunnelling spin polarization through the magnetoelectric coupling at the ferromagnet/ferroelectric interface. Here we demonstrate a significant enhancement of TER due to a ferroelectrically induced phase transition at a magnetic complex oxide interface. Ferroelectric tunnel junctions consisting of BaTiO3 tunnelling barriers and La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 electrodes exhibit a TER enhanced by up to ~10,000% by a nanometre-thick La(0.5)Ca(0.5)MnO3 interlayer inserted at one of the interfaces. The observed phenomenon originates from the metal-to-insulator phase transition in La(0.5)Ca(0.5)MnO3, driven by the modulation of carrier density through ferroelectric polarization switching. Electrical, ferroelectric and magnetoresistive measurements combined with first-principles calculations provide evidence for a magnetoelectric origin of the enhanced TER, and indicate the presence of defect-mediated conduction in the FTJs. The effect is robust and may serve as a viable route for electronic and spintronic applications.

DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of ovarian cancer patients after radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Radiotherapy is a common mode of treatment for many types of cancer, particularly cancers that are not detected until late stages, as is common with ovarian cancer. Although radiotherapy is effective in preferentially killing tumor cells, DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation can also have toxic effects on non-tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of toxicity on non-tumor cells following radiotherapy for ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors used the comet assay to assess DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 60 ovarian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Venous blood samples were collected from patients before radiotherapy and after accumulated doses of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy of radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Comet frequencies, reflecting the proportion of damaged cells, were significantly higher after radiotherapy than before radiotherapy (f = 69.66, p < 0.05) and demonstrated a linear relationship with accumulated dose (y = 9.87 + 0.2987x, r = 0.9497, p < 0.05). Additionally, the comet tail length, reflecting the relationship between undamaged and damaged DNA, was significantly longer after radiotherapy (f = 175.13, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that radiotherapy induces DNA damage in lymphocytes of ovarian cancer patients and suggest that radiotherapy doses should be limited during clinical treatment to reduce toxic side-effects.

Thermogravimetric investigation on co-combustion characteristics of tobacco residue and high-ash anthracite coal

The thermal behavior of high-ash anthracite coal, tobacco residue and their blends during combustion processes was investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (20 K min(-1), ranging from ambient temperature to 1273 K). Effects of the mixed proportion between coal and tobacco residue on the combustion process, ignition and burnout characteristics were also studied. The results indicated that the combustion of tobacco residue was controlled by the emission of volatile matter; the regions were more complex for tobacco residue (four peaks) than for coal (two peaks). Also, the blends had integrative thermal profiles that reflected both tobacco residue and coal. The incorporation of tobacco residue could improve the combustion characteristics of high-ash anthracite coal, especially the ignition and burnout characteristics comparing with the separate burning of tobacco residue and coal. It was feasible to use the co-combustion of tobacco residue and high-ash anthracite coal as fuel.

Interplay between charge stripes and sign reversals of Hall and Seebeck effects in stripe-ordered La(1.6-x)Nd0.4Sr(x)CuO4 superconductors

The Hall and Seebeck effects of the stripe-ordered superconductor La(1.6-x)Nd(0.4)Sr(x)CuO(4) single crystals (x = 0.10, 0.12 and 0.15) were investigated systematically. The sign change of Hall and Seebeck coefficients (R(H) and S) from positive to negative with decreasing temperature suggests the presence of electron pockets in the Fermi surface due to the stripe ordering. We successfully tune this behavior through an epitaxial strain induced by the mismatch between the thin film and the substrate. The negative R(H) disappears in the thinner film in which the static charge stripe is greatly suppressed by the strong epitaxial strain, and for a strain released thicker film the negative R(H) recovers. These results indicate the possibility of Fermi surface reconstruction caused by the static charge stripe order in the system.

Large exchange bias after zero-field cooling from an unmagnetized state

Exchange bias (EB) is usually observed in systems with an interface between different magnetic phases after field cooling. Here we report an unusual phenomenon in which a large EB can be observed in Ni-Mn-In bulk alloys after zero-field cooling from an unmagnetized state. We propose that this is related to the newly formed interface between different magnetic phases during the initial magnetization process. The magnetic unidirectional anisotropy, which is the origin of the EB effect, can be created isothermally below the blocking temperature.

Post-operative implantation metastasis of craniopharyngioma: a case report

Craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign epithelial tumours arising from squamous epithelial remnants of Rathke's pouch, which have a tendency to invade surrounding structures and recur after apparently complete resection. They represent the most frequent non-glial tumour in children, accounting for approximately 5% of paediatric brain neoplasms. Total resection of a craniopharyngioma may be difficult, and recurrence has been reported in 25-70% of patients. Recurrence often occurs at the primary site, although a few cases of ectopic recurrence along surgical or needle tracts have been reported. Here a case of metastatic adamantinomatous-type craniopharyngioma attributed to direct implantation by surgical procedure is presented, along with a review of the current literature on craniopharyngiomas.