Association between coffee and caffeine intake and risk of COPD: Findings based on NHANES 2007-2012

BACKGROUND

The association between coffee and caffeine intake and the risk of COPD and lung function has not been thoroughly discussed in Americans, with subgroup and threshold effects remaining unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the association between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as lung function utilizing data from the NHANES 2007-2012.

METHODS

We assessed the associations of coffee and caffeine consumption with the risk of COPD and lung function parameters, including FEV1 and FVC, adjusting for common demographic and disease characteristics in a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data.

RESULTS

A total of 9763 participants were included in the study, and 592 were diagnosed with COPD. Multivariate regression models revealed positive associations between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of COPD and lung function. Subgroup analyses stratified by sex, DM, hypertension status, and smoking habits identified potential effect modifiers as well as inflection points from threshold effect examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this cross-sectional study indicated significant positive correlations between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of COPD. Additionally, positive correlations between exposure variables and FEV1 and FVC were detected. Among the stratification factors, smoking status exhibited the most potential for modifying effects. Future practices and research are needed to validate the results and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Patterns and drivers of avian taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity in China vary across geographical backgrounds and dispersal abilities

Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity; however, these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies. Here, we examined whether the patterns and drivers of taxonomic beta diversity (TBD) and phylogenetic beta diversity (PBD) of breeding birds in China vary across (1) regions on both sides of the Hu Line, which demarcates China's topographical, climatic, economic, and social patterns, and (2) species with different dispersal ability. TBD and PBD were calculated and partitioned into turnover and nestedness components using a moving window approach. Variables representing climate, habitat heterogeneity, and habitat quality were employed to evaluate the effects of environmental filtering. Spatial distance was considered to assess the impact of dispersal limitation. Variance partitioning analysis was applied to assess the relative roles of these variables. In general, the values of TBD and PBD were high in mountainous areas and were largely determined by environmental filtering. However, different dominant environmental filters on either side of the Hu Line led to divergent beta diversity patterns. Specifically, climate-driven species turnover and habitat heterogeneity-related species nestedness dominated the regions east and west of the line, respectively. Additionally, bird species with stronger dispersal ability were more susceptible to environmental filtering, resulting in more homogeneous assemblages. Our results indicated that regions with distinctive geographical backgrounds may present different ecological factors that lead to divergent assemblage dissimilarity patterns, and dispersal ability determines the response of assemblages to these ecological factors. Identifying a single universal explanation for the observed pattern without considering these aspects may lead to simplistic or incomplete conclusions. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of large-scale beta diversity patterns and effective planning of conservation strategies necessitate the consideration of both geographical background and species dispersal ability.

Association between red blood cell folate and Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women

BACKGROUND

Increased folic acid has been found to be latently protective against gynecological infection, including several kinds of vaginosis. In this study, we laid emphasis on whether RBC (Red Blood Cell) folate was associated with the infectious ratio of Trichomonas vaginalis, a kind of anaerobic parasitic protozoan.

METHODS

We set RBC folate as the exposure variable and Trichomonas vaginalis as the outcome variable. Other subsidiary variables were regarded as covariates that may work as potential effect modifiers. The cross-sectional study was conducted with two merged waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2004, and a sample of 1274 eligible women (1212 negative and 62 positive in Trichomonas vaginalis infection) was integrated for the exploration of the association between RBC folate and Trichomonas vaginalis infection. Multivariate regression analyses, subgroup analyses, and subsequent smooth curve fittings were conducted to estimate the relationship between RBC folate and Trichomonas vaginalis in women.

RESULTS

In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, a negative association was observed between stratified RBC folate status and Trichomonas vaginalis infection with all confounders adjusted. Referencing the lowest RBC folate concentration quartile, the higher concentration quartiles reported a relatively lower infection ratio, while there was a weak correlation between total RBC folate concentration and T. vaginalis (Trichomonas vaginalis) infection. In subgroup analyses stratified by BMI and age, this association was only found significant in high age and BMI groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The cross-sectional study indicated a negative association between RBC folic acid and Trichomonas vaginalis infection, and latent effects of BMI and age on the association were also found.

Abietane diterpenoids from Phlegmariurus carinatus and their biological activities

Five undescribed abietane diterpenoids, along with eight known analogs, were isolated from Phlegmariurus carinatus. Their structures were unambiguously elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison between the literature. The absolute configuration of phlecarinatone C was determined by evaluating ECD spectra. Four undescribed abietane diterpenoids and eight known analogs were tested for their neuroprotective and cytotoxic activities, separately. Teuvincenone C showed potential neuroprotective effect against Hemin-induced HT22 cell damage. Importantly, phlecarinatone C showed pronounced cytotoxic effect against U251 cells in vitro assays. The biological evaluation revealed that phlecarinatone C could inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner of U251 cells. Meanwhile, phlecarinatone C effectively reversed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promoted U251 cells apoptosis via a mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Taken together, phlecarinatone C might be a valuable candidate for anti-metastatic agents against glioblastoma treatment.

Selenylation to charge transfer improvement at the counter electrode (CE)/electrolyte interface for nanocrystalline Cu1.8S1-xSex CEs

Pt counter electrodes (CEs) have been widely used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to their high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. However, industrialization of DSSCs is limited by shortcomings of Pt CEs such as being expensive, and weak corrosion resistance in electrolytes. Reported in this paper is two simple approaches to Pt-free Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Nanocrystalline Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs were fabricated via two processes, that is, a solvothermal process to Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x powder followed by CE fabrication, and a solvothermal process and CE fabrication to Cu_1.8S films followed by selenylation to Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Photoelectric conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 4.02% and 4.16% were achieved respectively by the as-fabricated Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Compared with the cells with Cu_1.8S CEs fabricated by the same processes, increases of 19% and 45% were achieved, respectively. The PCE improvement comes from the enhancement of charge transfer at the CE/electrolyte interface induced by the selenylation of the CEs.

Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Bus Drivers in the Taipei Metropolitan Area

Bus driving is considered a highly stressful and unhealthy occupation, even among sedentary jobs, because of the particular task characteristics. This study used the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to interview bus drivers and determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. The NMQ was distributed to 152 bus drivers in the Taipei metropolitan area (Taiwan) and the valid data of 145 respondents were analyzed. The survey revealed that the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in any body part during the preceding year was 78.3%, and the body parts for which with the prevalence of discomfort was highest were the neck (46.9%), right shoulder (40.0%), lower back (37.2%), and left shoulder (33.8%). Stress and an uncomfortable seat may contribute to neck, shoulder, and lower back discomfort. Stretching between trips may help to reduce neck and shoulder discomfort. When comparing our results with those of similar studies, we discovered that the prevalence of symptoms and detailed risk factors vary by country and region. On this basis, we believe that local investigations emphasizing specific task arrangements and characteristics are needed to address the problem of musculoskeletal disorders in bus drivers.

Clinical Significance and Potential Role of LSM4 Overexpression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Integrated Analysis Based on Multiple Databases

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a solid tumor with high recurrence rate and high mortality. It is crucial to discover available biomarkers to achieve early diagnosis and improve the prognosis. The effect of LSM4 in HCC still remains unrevealed. Our study is dedicated to exploring the expression of LSM4 in HCC, demonstrating its clinical significance and potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Clinical information and LSM4 expression values of HCC were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were applied to evaluate the prognostic and diagnostic significance of LSM4. Calculating pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and performing summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve analysis to further determine its expression status and diagnostic significance. LSM4-related co-expressed genes (CEGs) were obtained and explored their clinical significance in HCC. LSM4-associated pathways were identified through Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results: Up-regulated LSM4 was detected in HCC tissues (SMD = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.29–1.84) and overexpressed LSM4 had excellent distinguishing ability (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88–0.93). LSM4 was associated with clinical stage, tumor grade, and lymph node metastasis status (p < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that high LSM4 expression was related to poor overall survival (OS) of HCC patients. Cox regression analysis suggested that high LSM4 expression may be an independent risk factor for HCC. We obtained nine up-regulated CEGs of LSM4 in HCC tissues, and six CEGs had good prognostic and diagnostic significance. GSEA analysis showed that up-regulated LSM4 was closely related to the cell cycle, cell replication, focal adhesion, and several metabolism-associated pathways, including fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion: Overexpressed LSM4 may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of HCC. Besides, LSM4 may play a synergistic effect with CEGs in promoting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells via regulating crucial pathways such as cell cycle, focal adhesion, and metabolism-associated pathways.

Percutaneous Cerclage Wiring Combined with Cephalomedullary Nailing for Irreducible Subtrochanteric Fractures

OBJECTIVE

To explore the surgical method, operation essentials and the clinical effect of the treatment of irreducible subtrochanteric femoral fractures by percutaneous cerclage wiring and Cephalomedullary nail.

METHOD

From February 2016 to October 2019, 17 cases of irreducible subtrochanteric femoral fractures (SFFs) treated via a minimally invasive wire system and intramedullary nail fixation were reviewed retrospectively. Ten male and seven female patients were involved. The average age was 59.88 ± 16.13 years, ranging from 41 to 94 years. Among the patients, seven were injured in traffic accidents, five fell from a standing height, and five injured themselves from falling. The cases were classified based on the Seinsheimer classification. Specifically, five cases were type IIIA, five cases were type IIIB, one case was type IV, and six cases were type V. According to the AO/OTA classification, 10 cases were 32B3, and seven cases were 32C3. During surgery, the patients were placed on a traction bed andattempted closed reduction. For those patients whose closed reduction failed confirmed by fluoroscopy, we performed a small anterolateral incision through which a self-made minimally invasive percutaneous wire introducer (passer; patent Z: 2016 2 1002800.8) was employed for temporary fixation with a wire. A double-stranded steel wire was introduced into a self-made wire traction and lifting device (patent ZL 2020 2 0205658.7), the wire was pulled vertically and firmly fixed. Then an long InterTan nail was used for the fixation. The following information was recorded: (i) length of the invasive incision, (ii) blood loss on the third day after surgery, (iii) operation time; and (iv) maximum displacement and angulation of the fracture ends of the x-rayed front and side fractures before and after surgery and the maximum displacement and formation of the three-dimensional CT-scanned fracture ends in the coronal plane, sagittal plane, and cross section before and after surgery.

RESULT

A total of 15 of the 17 patients were followed for 12 to 24 months. The 15 patients recovered, but one died from pulmonary infection 1 year after surgery. In the postoperative X-ray and three-dimensional CT observation reduction treatment, fracture displacement was less than 5 mm, each plane angle was less than 10 degrees, and postoperative fracture healing time was 3 to 14 months, with an average of 4.19 ± 4.04 months. The postoperative Harris hip function score ranged from 66 to 95 points, with an average of 80.81 ± 9.67 points. In terms of clinical outcomes, 11 cases were excellent, four cases were satisfactory, and one case was fair.

CONCLUSION

For refractory subtrochanteric fractures, percutaneous wiring combined with Cephalomedullary nail fixation is a minimally invasive, rapid, and effective method, which can achieve satisfactory results in clinical practice and is worth promoting.

P–522 Cervical secretion methylation profile is associated with the success of frozen-thawed embryo transfer - a proof-of-concept study

Study question

Is cervical secretion gene methylation profile different between receptive and non-receptive endometrium and associated with implantation outcome in frozen-embryo transfer (FET) cycle?

Summary answer

The combination of candidate genes methylation profiles obtained from cervical secretion showed significant associations with pregnancy outcomes.

What is known already

Implantation failure remains a black box in reproductive medicine, and the exact mechanism of how endometrial receptivity is regulated is still unknown. Epigenetic modifications play a role in the gene expression pattern and may alter the endometrial receptivity in the human endometrium. Cervical secretion containing various implantation-related cytokines, and the gene methylation change can be used as a non-invasive molecular source that reflects the endometrium condition.

Study design, size, duration

In this retrospective case-control study, sixty-two women who entered the FET cycle (30 pregnant and 32 non-pregnant women) were enrolled.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Cervical secretion was collected before embryo transfer from women enrolled in multicenter university-affiliated reproductive units. The DNA methylation status of six candidate genes was measured using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP). The correlation between methylation change and the pregnancy outcome was analyzed.

Main results and the role of chance

The candidate genes were selected from that associated with implantation with literature review and the original genome-wide DNA methylation data from NCBI GEO DataSets (GSE90060) which processed using bioinformatics analysis. Six candidate genes whose CpG-level methylation analysis with β-value statistically higher in receptive endometrium than in a pre-receptive endometrium were selected. All six candidate genes showed different degrees of correlation with the pregnancy outcomes. Among them, PRKAG2 methylation changes showed the highest correlation with the pregnancy outcome. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the performance of a single gene or a combination of genes for implantation prediction. The results showed a statistically significant association between the methylation status of a combination of genes (PRKAG2, KRS1, HAND2) and the pregnancy outcome (p = 0.008), resulting in an optimal AUC of 0.7 (95% CI: 0.57 - 0.81) for implantation prediction.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The results obtained from a relatively small cohort size. A larger study and further comprehensive methylome investigations are warranted.

Wider implications of the findings: This study is the first proof-of-concept study that cervical secretion methylation profile is associated with implantation outcome in a FET cycle, and showed potential as a non-invasive method for implantation prediction.

Trial registration number

non applicable

Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

[Clinical application of mCIM and eCIM combined detection of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae]

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of modified carbapenem inactivation test (mCIM) combined with EDTA-modified carbapenem inactivation test (eCIM) for detecting the carbapenemase of CRE isolated from infected patients in clinical diagnosis and infection control of CRE infection. Methods: Drug resistance of seventy eight non-repetitive enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which were isolated from clinically infected patients from January 2017 to December 2017 in the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, was retrospectively analyzed. Meanwhile, Vitek2 Compact automatic bacterial identification instrument was used to identify the species and detect its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ertapenem and imipenem. Carbapenemase genes bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_IMP and bla_VIM were detected by PCR test, the genotype was determined by gene sequencing as the gold standard, and mCIM Combined eCIM test was used for carbapenemase detection of collected bacteria. Using PCR results as the standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and Cohen' Kappa value of mCIM and eCIM were calculated, and the consistency of the combined detection results of mCIM and eCIM and PCR results was checked. Results: Seventy eight carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were detected by PCR, 74 carbapenemase gene positive and 4 negative, including 60 bla_KPC-2 positive, 2 bla_NDM-1 positive and bla_NDM-5 positive Of the 7 strains, 3 strains were positive for bla_NDM-9, 1 strain was positive for bla_IMP-4, and 1 strain was both positive for bla_KPC-2 and bla_NDM-1. The sensitivity of mCIM to detect carbapenemase is 100%, the specificity is 100%, and the Kappa value is 1.000; the combined detection of mCIM and eCIM for serine carbapenemase has a sensitivity of 100%, the specificity is 100%, and the Kappa value is 1.000; The sensitivity of combined detection of metallo-β-lactamase is 92.9%, the specificity is 100%, and the Kappa value is 0.955. Conclusions: The combined test of mCIM and eCIM which is used to detect carbapenemase in CRE costs low, doesn't require special reagents and equipment, has strong practicability, simple operation, and easy interpretation of results. According to the different genotypes of CRE bacteria, it provides important clinical diagnostic evidence for clinical CRE diagnosis, precise antimicrobial treatment and infection control.

[Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after successful treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia: a report of four cases and literature review]

目的

探讨急性早幼粒细胞白血病（APL）患者继发治疗相关性髓系肿瘤（t-MN）的临床特点、诊断、治疗及预后。

方法

回顾性分析中国医学科学院血液病医院2012年10月至2019年1月收治的4例APL继发t-MN患者的临床资料，并进行相关文献复习。

结果

4例APL继发t-MN患者均为女性，中位年龄42（40~53）岁，3例接受了以维甲酸（ATRA）+亚砷酸（ATO）为基础联合蒽环/蒽醌类药物±阿糖胞苷的前期诱导缓解及巩固治疗方案，1例采用了ATRA联合蒽环/蒽醌类药物±阿糖胞苷的治疗方案，均没有使用烷化剂。在APL获得完全缓解（CR）后40~43个月出现t-MN，其中治疗相关性骨髓增生异常综合征（t-MDS）1例，治疗相关性急性髓系白血病（t-AML）3例，出现t-MN时PML-RARα融合基因均为阴性。3例t-AML患者接受了2~4个疗程再诱导治疗，其中有1例t-AML患者在获得CR后行异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT），1例t-MDS患者接受了去甲基化治疗。中位随访54.5（48~62）个月，2例t-AML患者死亡，出现t-MN后中位生存期为12（5~18）个月。1989至2018年文献共报道63例APL继发t-MN病例，与本次报道的4例汇总分析，67例患者中男27例，女40例；中位年龄为52.5（15~76）岁；中位潜伏期39（12~168）个月，确诊t-MN后中位生存时间为10（1~39）个月。

结论

APL继发t-MN较为少见，目前缺乏有效的防治措施，预后不佳，在随访过程中（尤其是获得CR后39个月左右）若出现病情变化，应警惕t-MN的发生，对此类患者应尽快明确疾病的变化，给予合理的治疗。

[Investigation on the content of persistent organic pollutants in fish from Dongting Lake in China]

Objective: To investigate the content of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in fish from Dongting Lake. Methods: Ten sample collection points were set in lakeside city Yueyang and Yuanjiang. In July (wet season) and November (dry season) of 2012, 13 common fish species were captured by convenience sampling in Dongting Lake. Two to three fish with similar weight were selected in each season for the same species of fish. After sample preparation and pretreatment, the contents of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), indicator polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyls ether (PBDEs) in the samples were determined by high resolution gas chromatographer-high resolution mass spectrometry. Toxicity Equivalents (TEQ) of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were calculated according to the revised toxicity equivalent factor (TEF) of WHO in 2005. The contents of POPs were expressed by median and quavtile. The differences of POPs in fish in different periods were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: The content of PCDD/Fs of fish in Dongting Lake in wet season was 12.397 (8.865, 24.964) pg/g, higher than that in the dry season 0.771 (0.490, 1.442) pg/g (P<0.001), and the toxicity equivalent quantity (TEQ) were 0.150 (0.066,0.528) and 0.143 (0.066, 0.235) pg-TEQ/g without statistically significant difference (P>0.05). For the fish in wet and dry season from Dongting Lake,Σdl-PCBs of fish were 66.475 (28.065, 77.794) and 24.205 (18.237, 90.777) pg/g, respectively, and the TEQ were 0.061 (0.046, 0.268) and 0.075 (0.054, 0.182) pg-TEQ/g; Σ indicative PCBs were 237.764 (153.896, 335.483) and 119.711 (52.171, 408.696) pg/g, respectively; Σ PBDEs were 106.513 (64.834, 164.860) and 86.837 (61.872, 177.108) pg/g, respectively. The highest content of PCDD/Fs was found in grass carp (198.360 pg/g) in wet season. The higher content of PCBs was found in long-necked fish (2 332.509 pg/g) and PBDEs was found in pelteobagrus fulvidraco (343.857 pg/g), respectively. Conclusion: A lower burden was found in fishes from Dongting Lake, and the content of POPs varied in different seasons and fishes.

Search for Tensor, Vector, and Scalar Polarizations in the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background

The detection of gravitational waves with Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo has enabled novel tests of general relativity, including direct study of the polarization of gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for only two tensor gravitational-wave polarizations, general metric theories can additionally predict two vector and two scalar polarizations. The polarization of gravitational waves is encoded in the spectral shape of the stochastic gravitational-wave background, formed by the superposition of cosmological and individually unresolved astrophysical sources. Using data recorded by Advanced LIGO during its first observing run, we search for a stochastic background of generically polarized gravitational waves. We find no evidence for a background of any polarization, and place the first direct bounds on the contributions of vector and scalar polarizations to the stochastic background. Under log-uniform priors for the energy in each polarization, we limit the energy densities of tensor, vector, and scalar modes at 95% credibility to Ω_{0}^{T}<5.58×10^{-8}, Ω_{0}^{V}<6.35×10^{-8}, and Ω_{0}^{S}<1.08×10^{-7} at a reference frequency f_{0}=25  Hz.

GW170817: Implications for the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Compact Binary Coalescences

The LIGO Scientific and Virgo Collaborations have announced the event GW170817, the first detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of two neutron stars. The merger rate of binary neutron stars estimated from this event suggests that distant, unresolvable binary neutron stars create a significant astrophysical stochastic gravitational-wave background. The binary neutron star component will add to the contribution from binary black holes, increasing the amplitude of the total astrophysical background relative to previous expectations. In the Advanced LIGO-Virgo frequency band most sensitive to stochastic backgrounds (near 25 Hz), we predict a total astrophysical background with amplitude Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.8_{-1.3}^{+2.7}×10^{-9} with 90% confidence, compared with Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.1_{-0.7}^{+1.2}×10^{-9} from binary black holes alone. Assuming the most probable rate for compact binary mergers, we find that the total background may be detectable with a signal-to-noise-ratio of 3 after 40 months of total observation time, based on the expected timeline for Advanced LIGO and Virgo to reach their design sensitivity.

[Operative strategy and clinical results of complex four part distal radius fractures by combined palmar and dorsal internal fixation]

Objective: To explore a standard procedure for the treatment of combined dorsal and palmar internal fixation for complex four part distal radius fractures and assess its clinical results. Methods: From May 2009 to October 2016, 38 patients(39 sides)who suffered from complex four part distal radius fractures were performed operatively with open reduction and internal fixation via combined dorsal and palmar approach in Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University(Qingdao). The series included 22 males(22 sides) and 16 females(17 sides). Age of the patients was 53.5 years ranging from 25 to 79 years.According to Melone classification, there were 34 sides of type of Ⅳ, 5 of type Ⅴ.According to Frykman classification, there were 15 sides of type Ⅶ, 24 sides of type Ⅷ, and all the cases were type C3 according to AO/OTA classification.Preoperatively, the key articular fragments in four part distal radius fractures were identified and the individual fracture patterns from conventional X-ray and CT-scan were analyzed. All the patients were performed combined volar and dorsal fixation.Firstly, a palmar approach which gave access to and fix the palmar-ulnar fragment and the radial styloid fragment was performed.Then a limited dorsal approach across the third extensor compartment which gave access to the dorso-ulnar fragment and a limited dorsal arthrotomy to visualize the radiocarpal joint when necessary were performed.Through dorsal approach, we can address the dorso-ulnar fragment, free intra-articular fragment and direct visualize the joint.Use of a retinacular flap was routinely advocated to help prevent against tendon irritation and rupture.The follow-up control included conventional X-ray, range of motion(ROM), grip strength, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand index(DASH), as well as the patient-rated wrist evaluation(PRWE) score for functional outcome at 6 and 12 months. Results: Thirty-three patients(34 sides) were followed up for at least 12 months.The would healed well in all cases 2 weeks postoperatively, and no soft tissue infections, necrosis or neurovascular complications occurred.All the fractures of 38 cases(39 sides)healed averaged 3.6 months(ranging from 2.5-5.7 months), and no loss of reduction occurred postoperatively.Anatomic reconstruction with a step or gap of <1 mm was achieved in 37 cases(38 sides), Whereas 5 patients were lost to follow-up at 12 months postoperatively.ROM and grip strength were all recovered to over 85% of the unaffected side(exception of the bilateral patient). Median DASH-index and PRWE were 6.5(0-17) and 9.3(0-20)respectively. Conclusion: Combined volar and dorsal approaches allow achieving anatomic reconstruction in complex four part intra-articular distal radius fractures and reveal good functional outcomes at intermediate follow-up.

First Search for Nontensorial Gravitational Waves from Known Pulsars

We present results from the first directed search for nontensorial gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for tensorial (plus and cross) modes only, a generic metric theory may, in principle, predict waves with up to six different polarizations. This analysis is sensitive to continuous signals of scalar, vector, or tensor polarizations, and does not rely on any specific theory of gravity. After searching data from the first observation run of the advanced LIGO detectors for signals at twice the rotational frequency of 200 known pulsars, we find no evidence of gravitational waves of any polarization. We report the first upper limits for scalar and vector strains, finding values comparable in magnitude to previously published limits for tensor strain. Our results may be translated into constraints on specific alternative theories of gravity.

GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral

On August 17, 2017 at 12∶41:04 UTC the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detectors made their first observation of a binary neutron star inspiral. The signal, GW170817, was detected with a combined signal-to-noise ratio of 32.4 and a false-alarm-rate estimate of less than one per 8.0×10^{4}  years. We infer the component masses of the binary to be between 0.86 and 2.26  M_{⊙}, in agreement with masses of known neutron stars. Restricting the component spins to the range inferred in binary neutron stars, we find the component masses to be in the range 1.17-1.60  M_{⊙}, with the total mass of the system 2.74_{-0.01}^{+0.04}M_{⊙}. The source was localized within a sky region of 28  deg^{2} (90% probability) and had a luminosity distance of 40_{-14}^{+8}  Mpc, the closest and most precisely localized gravitational-wave signal yet. The association with the γ-ray burst GRB 170817A, detected by Fermi-GBM 1.7 s after the coalescence, corroborates the hypothesis of a neutron star merger and provides the first direct evidence of a link between these mergers and short γ-ray bursts. Subsequent identification of transient counterparts across the electromagnetic spectrum in the same location further supports the interpretation of this event as a neutron star merger. This unprecedented joint gravitational and electromagnetic observation provides insight into astrophysics, dense matter, gravitation, and cosmology.

GW170814: A Three-Detector Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Coalescence

On August 14, 2017 at 10∶30:43 UTC, the Advanced Virgo detector and the two Advanced LIGO detectors coherently observed a transient gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar mass black holes, with a false-alarm rate of ≲1 in 27 000 years. The signal was observed with a three-detector network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 18. The inferred masses of the initial black holes are 30.5_{-3.0}^{+5.7}M_{⊙} and 25.3_{-4.2}^{+2.8}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The luminosity distance of the source is 540_{-210}^{+130}  Mpc, corresponding to a redshift of z=0.11_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. A network of three detectors improves the sky localization of the source, reducing the area of the 90% credible region from 1160   deg^{2} using only the two LIGO detectors to 60  deg^{2} using all three detectors. For the first time, we can test the nature of gravitational-wave polarizations from the antenna response of the LIGO-Virgo network, thus enabling a new class of phenomenological tests of gravity.

A new record of the capped langur (Trachypithecus pileatus) in China

The distribution of the capped langur (Trachypithecus pileatus) in China has become controversial since Shortridge's langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) was upgraded to a full species. The capped langur is considered to be distributed in northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and northwest Myanmar only (Brandon-Jones et al., 2004; Choudhury, 2008, 2014; Das et al., 2008; Groves, 2001). In our field survey, however, we obtained photos of the capped langur, demonstrating its existence in China.

GW170104: Observation of a 50-Solar-Mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence at Redshift 0.2

We describe the observation of GW170104, a gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of a pair of stellar-mass black holes. The signal was measured on January 4, 2017 at 10∶11:58.6 UTC by the twin advanced detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory during their second observing run, with a network signal-to-noise ratio of 13 and a false alarm rate less than 1 in 70 000 years. The inferred component black hole masses are 31.2_{-6.0}^{+8.4}M_{⊙} and 19.4_{-5.9}^{+5.3}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The black hole spins are best constrained through measurement of the effective inspiral spin parameter, a mass-weighted combination of the spin components perpendicular to the orbital plane, χ_{eff}=-0.12_{-0.30}^{+0.21}. This result implies that spin configurations with both component spins positively aligned with the orbital angular momentum are disfavored. The source luminosity distance is 880_{-390}^{+450}  Mpc corresponding to a redshift of z=0.18_{-0.07}^{+0.08}. We constrain the magnitude of modifications to the gravitational-wave dispersion relation and perform null tests of general relativity. Assuming that gravitons are dispersed in vacuum like massive particles, we bound the graviton mass to m_{g}≤7.7×10^{-23}  eV/c^{2}. In all cases, we find that GW170104 is consistent with general relativity.

[Efficacy Comparison of Different Salvage Treatment Regimens for Patients with Refractory/Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of 3 different regimens, namely MAC, FLAG and CAG, as the re-induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia(AML) patients with primary induction failure and relapse.

METHODS

The clinical data of 156 AML patients with primary induction failure and relapse, except patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL), treated with any of the above 3 regimens in our center from January 2008 to April 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the treatment regimens, 156 patients were divided into MAC group (n=60), FLAG group (n=45) and CAG group (n=51). The complete remission(CR), partial remissison(PR), overall survival(OS), disease-free survival(DFS) and adverse events during the treatment were analyzed, so as to compare and evaluate the efficacy and safety of the 3 different regimens.

RESULTS

After 1 course of re-induction chemotherapy, CR in MAC group was significantly higher than that in FLAG and CAG group (55.4% vs 34.1% vs 34.0%)(P<0.05). The OS was not statistically significantly different among 3 groups (P>0.05) with a median OS of 11 months, 5.46 months and 10.2 months, respectively. The myelosuppression was the main adverse event with no significant difference among the groups(P>0.05). More patients treated with MAC regimen underwent febrile neutropenia (93.3% vs 86.7% vs 64.7%)(P<0.001). However, the incidence of fatal infections was not signicantly different among 3 groups(5% vs 8.9% vs 5.9%)(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with FLAG and CAG regimen, the MAC regimen can enable more AML patients with primary induction failure and refractory to achieve CR without increasing severe adverse events,therefore,this regimen may provide a opportunity for patients to recieve hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Upper Limits on the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

A wide variety of astrophysical and cosmological sources are expected to contribute to a stochastic gravitational-wave background. Following the observations of GW150914 and GW151226, the rate and mass of coalescing binary black holes appear to be greater than many previous expectations. As a result, the stochastic background from unresolved compact binary coalescences is expected to be particularly loud. We perform a search for the isotropic stochastic gravitational-wave background using data from Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory's (aLIGO) first observing run. The data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. We constrain the dimensionless energy density of gravitational waves to be Ω_{0}<1.7×10^{-7} with 95% confidence, assuming a flat energy density spectrum in the most sensitive part of the LIGO band (20-86 Hz). This is a factor of ∼33 times more sensitive than previous measurements. We also constrain arbitrary power-law spectra. Finally, we investigate the implications of this search for the background of binary black holes using an astrophysical model for the background.

Directional Limits on Persistent Gravitational Waves from Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

We employ gravitational-wave radiometry to map the stochastic gravitational wave background expected from a variety of contributing mechanisms and test the assumption of isotropy using data from the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory's (aLIGO) first observing run. We also search for persistent gravitational waves from point sources with only minimal assumptions over the 20-1726 Hz frequency band. Finding no evidence of gravitational waves from either point sources or a stochastic background, we set limits at 90% confidence. For broadband point sources, we report upper limits on the gravitational wave energy flux per unit frequency in the range F_{α,Θ}(f)<(0.1-56)×10^{-8}    erg cm^{-2} s^{-1} Hz^{-1}(f/25  Hz)^{α-1} depending on the sky location Θ and the spectral power index α. For extended sources, we report upper limits on the fractional gravitational wave energy density required to close the Universe of Ω(f,Θ)<(0.39-7.6)×10^{-8}  sr^{-1}(f/25  Hz)^{α} depending on Θ and α. Directed searches for narrowband gravitational waves from astrophysically interesting objects (Scorpius X-1, Supernova 1987 A, and the Galactic Center) yield median frequency-dependent limits on strain amplitude of h_{0}<(6.7,5.5,  and  7.0)×10^{-25}, respectively, at the most sensitive detector frequencies between 130-175 Hz. This represents a mean improvement of a factor of 2 across the band compared to previous searches of this kind for these sky locations, considering the different quantities of strain constrained in each case.

RelB/NF-κB links cell cycle transition and apoptosis to endometrioid adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis

Dysfunction of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling has been causally associated with numerous human malignancies. Although the NF-κB family of genes has been implicated in endometrial carcinogenesis, information regarding the involvement of central regulators of NF-κB signaling in human endometrial cancer (EC) is limited. Here, we investigated the specific roles of canonical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling in endometrial tumorigenesis. We found that NF-κB RelB protein, but not RelA, displayed high expression in EC samples and cell lines, with predominant elevation in endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EEC). Moreover, tumor cell-intrinsic RelB was responsible for the abundant levels of c-Myc, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, which are key regulators of cell cycle transition, apoptosis and proliferation in EEC. In contrast, p27 expression was enhanced by RelB depletion. Thus, increased RelB in human EC is associated with enhanced EEC cell growth, leading to endometrial cell tumorigenicity. Our results reveal that regulatory RelB in noncanonical NF-κB signaling may serve as a therapeutic target to block EC initiation.

Characterization of transient noise in Advanced LIGO relevant to gravitational wave signal GW150914

On September 14, 2015, a gravitational wave signal from a coalescing black hole binary system was observed by the Advanced LIGO detectors. This paper describes the transient noise backgrounds used to determine the significance of the event (designated GW150914) and presents the results of investigations into potential correlated or uncorrelated sources of transient noise in the detectors around the time of the event. The detectors were operating nominally at the time of GW150914. We have ruled out environmental influences and non-Gaussian instrument noise at either LIGO detector as the cause of the observed gravitational wave signal.

GW151226: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a 22-Solar-Mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence

We report the observation of a gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar-mass black holes. The signal, GW151226, was observed by the twin detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) on December 26, 2015 at 03:38:53 UTC. The signal was initially identified within 70 s by an online matched-filter search targeting binary coalescences. Subsequent off-line analyses recovered GW151226 with a network signal-to-noise ratio of 13 and a significance greater than 5σ. The signal persisted in the LIGO frequency band for approximately 1 s, increasing in frequency and amplitude over about 55 cycles from 35 to 450 Hz, and reached a peak gravitational strain of 3.4_{-0.9}^{+0.7}×10^{-22}. The inferred source-frame initial black hole masses are 14.2_{-3.7}^{+8.3}M_{⊙} and 7.5_{-2.3}^{+2.3}M_{⊙}, and the final black hole mass is 20.8_{-1.7}^{+6.1}M_{⊙}. We find that at least one of the component black holes has spin greater than 0.2. This source is located at a luminosity distance of 440_{-190}^{+180}  Mpc corresponding to a redshift of 0.09_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. All uncertainties define a 90% credible interval. This second gravitational-wave observation provides improved constraints on stellar populations and on deviations from general relativity.

Properties of the Binary Black Hole Merger GW150914

On September 14, 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detected a gravitational-wave transient (GW150914); we characterize the properties of the source and its parameters. The data around the time of the event were analyzed coherently across the LIGO network using a suite of accurate waveform models that describe gravitational waves from a compact binary system in general relativity. GW150914 was produced by a nearly equal mass binary black hole of masses 36_{-4}^{+5}M_{⊙} and 29_{-4}^{+4}M_{⊙}; for each parameter we report the median value and the range of the 90% credible interval. The dimensionless spin magnitude of the more massive black hole is bound to be <0.7 (at 90% probability). The luminosity distance to the source is 410_{-180}^{+160}  Mpc, corresponding to a redshift 0.09_{-0.04}^{+0.03} assuming standard cosmology. The source location is constrained to an annulus section of 610  deg^{2}, primarily in the southern hemisphere. The binary merges into a black hole of mass 62_{-4}^{+4}M_{⊙} and spin 0.67_{-0.07}^{+0.05}. This black hole is significantly more massive than any other inferred from electromagnetic observations in the stellar-mass regime.

GW150914: First results from the search for binary black hole coalescence with Advanced LIGO

On September 14, 2015 at 09:50:45 UTC the two detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) simultaneously observed the binary black hole merger GW150914. We report the results of a matched-filter search using relativistic models of compact-object binaries that recovered GW150914 as the most significant event during the coincident observations between the two LIGO detectors from September 12 to October 20, 2015. GW150914 was observed with a matched filter signal-to-noise ratio of 24 and a false alarm rate estimated to be less than 1 event per 203000 years, equivalent to a significance greater than 5.1 σ.

GW150914: First results from the search for binary black hole coalescence with Advanced LIGO

On September 14, 2015 at 09:50:45 UTC the two detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) simultaneously observed the binary black hole merger GW150914. We report the results of a matched-filter search using relativistic models of compact-object binaries that recovered GW150914 as the most significant event during the coincident observations between the two LIGO detectors from September 12 to October 20, 2015. GW150914 was observed with a matched filter signal-to-noise ratio of 24 and a false alarm rate estimated to be less than 1 event per 203000 years, equivalent to a significance greater than 5.1 σ.

Tests of General Relativity with GW150914

The LIGO detection of GW150914 provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the two-body motion of a compact-object binary in the large-velocity, highly nonlinear regime, and to witness the final merger of the binary and the excitation of uniquely relativistic modes of the gravitational field. We carry out several investigations to determine whether GW150914 is consistent with a binary black-hole merger in general relativity. We find that the final remnant's mass and spin, as determined from the low-frequency (inspiral) and high-frequency (postinspiral) phases of the signal, are mutually consistent with the binary black-hole solution in general relativity. Furthermore, the data following the peak of GW150914 are consistent with the least-damped quasinormal mode inferred from the mass and spin of the remnant black hole. By using waveform models that allow for parametrized general-relativity violations during the inspiral and merger phases, we perform quantitative tests on the gravitational-wave phase in the dynamical regime and we determine the first empirical bounds on several high-order post-Newtonian coefficients. We constrain the graviton Compton wavelength, assuming that gravitons are dispersed in vacuum in the same way as particles with mass, obtaining a 90%-confidence lower bound of 10^{13}  km. In conclusion, within our statistical uncertainties, we find no evidence for violations of general relativity in the genuinely strong-field regime of gravity.

GW150914: Implications for the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Binary Black Holes

The LIGO detection of the gravitational wave transient GW150914, from the inspiral and merger of two black holes with masses ≳30M_{⊙}, suggests a population of binary black holes with relatively high mass. This observation implies that the stochastic gravitational-wave background from binary black holes, created from the incoherent superposition of all the merging binaries in the Universe, could be higher than previously expected. Using the properties of GW150914, we estimate the energy density of such a background from binary black holes. In the most sensitive part of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo band for stochastic backgrounds (near 25 Hz), we predict Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.1_{-0.9}^{+2.7}×10^{-9} with 90% confidence. This prediction is robustly demonstrated for a variety of formation scenarios with different parameters. The differences between models are small compared to the statistical uncertainty arising from the currently poorly constrained local coalescence rate. We conclude that this background is potentially measurable by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors operating at their projected final sensitivity.

GW150914: The Advanced LIGO Detectors in the Era of First Discoveries

Following a major upgrade, the two advanced detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) held their first observation run between September 2015 and January 2016. With a strain sensitivity of 10^{-23}/sqrt[Hz] at 100 Hz, the product of observable volume and measurement time exceeded that of all previous runs within the first 16 days of coincident observation. On September 14, 2015, the Advanced LIGO detectors observed a transient gravitational-wave signal determined to be the coalescence of two black holes [B. P. Abbott et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 061102 (2016)], launching the era of gravitational-wave astronomy. The event, GW150914, was observed with a combined signal-to-noise ratio of 24 in coincidence by the two detectors. Here, we present the main features of the detectors that enabled this observation. At full sensitivity, the Advanced LIGO detectors are designed to deliver another factor of 3 improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio for binary black hole systems similar in mass to GW150914.

Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Merger

On September 14, 2015 at 09:50:45 UTC the two detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory simultaneously observed a transient gravitational-wave signal. The signal sweeps upwards in frequency from 35 to 250 Hz with a peak gravitational-wave strain of 1.0×10(-21). It matches the waveform predicted by general relativity for the inspiral and merger of a pair of black holes and the ringdown of the resulting single black hole. The signal was observed with a matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 24 and a false alarm rate estimated to be less than 1 event per 203,000 years, equivalent to a significance greater than 5.1σ. The source lies at a luminosity distance of 410(-180)(+160)  Mpc corresponding to a redshift z=0.09(-0.04)(+0.03). In the source frame, the initial black hole masses are 36(-4)(+5)M⊙ and 29(-4)(+4)M⊙, and the final black hole mass is 62(-4)(+4)M⊙, with 3.0(-0.5)(+0.5)M⊙c(2) radiated in gravitational waves. All uncertainties define 90% credible intervals. These observations demonstrate the existence of binary stellar-mass black hole systems. This is the first direct detection of gravitational waves and the first observation of a binary black hole merger.

Minimally invasive manipulative reduction with poking k-wire fixation in the treatment of various types of calcaneal fractures

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of minimally invasive manipulative reduction with poking k-wire fixation in the treatment of various types of calcaneal fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2012 and July 2014, a prospective parallel controlled study was conducted on 96 patients with closed calcaneal fractures who were admitted to our institution. These patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 48 in each group. Patients in plate group were treated using open reduction and internal fixation, whereas those of manipulation group were treated with minimally invasive manipulative reduction with poking k-wire fixation. All patients were followed up for six months to assess the postoperative recovery and complications. Kerr's scale was adopted to evaluate the functional recovery of fractured calcaneus.

RESULTS

A mean healing duration of 9.48 ± 1.92 weeks was achieved in patients of plate group compared with a healing duration of 9.35 ± 1.66 weeks in those of manipulation group, with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). Complications occurred in 20 cases in plate group versus in seven cases in manipulation group with significant difference (p < 0.05). As for Sanders type II fracture, among patients with compression fracture and tongue type fracture, > 70% of patients achieved with excellent and good outcomes in both groups with no significant difference in clinical efficacy (p > 0.05). The rate of excellent and good outcomes in Sanders type III compression fractures was lower in manipulation group than in plate group (p < 0.05). As for Sanders type II fractures, the Kerr's score of tongue type fractures in manipulation group was higher than that in plate group, and comparison within manipulation group showed that the score of tongue type fractures was significantly higher than that of compression fractures (p < 0.05). However, as for Sanders type III fractures, the score of tongue type fractures in manipulation group was significantly higher than that in plate group, and the score of compression fractures in plate group was significantly higher than that in manipulation group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive manipulative reduction with poking k-wire fixation is suitable for the treatment of Sanders type II tongue type and compression calcaneal fractures, as well as the treatment of Sanders type III tongue type fractures with several advantages, including easy operation, lower cost, fewer complications and favorable recovery.

Expressions of MUC1 and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA in blood are biomarkers for predicting efficacy of gefitinib treatment in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Gefitinib, an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, significantly improve prognosis in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of MUC1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression in peripheral blood as means of predicting benefit from gefitinib therapy in NSCLC patients.

Methods

MUC1 and VEGF mRNA expressions were detected in peripheral blood of 66 patients with advanced NSCLC before (B0) and 4 weeks after treatment (B4w) with gefitinib, using real-time quantitative-PCR assay. Correlations between blood MUC1 and VEGF mRNA expression at B0 and B4w and the response to gefitinib treatment and survival were analyzed.

Results

Blood levels of MUC1 and VEGF mRNA at B0 and at B4w were significantly higher in patients with progressive disease than in those with partial response and stable disease. Furthermore, blood MUC1 and VEGF mRNA positivity at two time points were strongly associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.005 and P = 0.008 at B0, and P < 0.001 and P = 0.001 at B4w, respectively, for MUC1; P = 0.004 and P = 0.009 at B0, and P = 0.001 and P < 0.001 at B4w, respectively, for VEGF). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that blood MUC1 and VEGF mRNA positivity at B0 and B4w were independent factors for predicting worse PFS and OS.

Conclusions

MUC1 and VEGF mRNA positivity in blood seem to be indicators of unfavorable response and poor PFS and OS in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with gefitinib and may be promising noninvasive and repeatable markers for predicting efficacy of gefitinib treatment.

Survivin mRNA Level in Blood Predict the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Stage IIIA-N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

In a previous study, survivin mRNA expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue had been demonstrated to be associated with unfavorable prognosis of patients treated with chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the survivin mRNA levels in blood of patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC and their association with the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Blood specimens were collected from 56 patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC before (N0) and after the complete of NCT (N1). Survivin mRNA was measured by real-time quantitative-PCR assay. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was undertaken to determine the best cutoff value for survivin mRNA. Results showed that high blood survivin mRNA levels at N0 and N1 were significantly associated with clinical (P = 0.01 and P = 0.008, respectively) and pathologic response (both P = 0.004, respectively). Moreover, the change of blood survivin mRNA levels in these NSCLC patients is associated with the clinical and pathologic response to NCT. Patients with high survivin mRNA levels at N0 and N1 had significantly shorter DFS and OS than those with low survivin mRNA levels (P = 0.021 and P = 0.014, respectively for DFS; P = 0.009 and P = 0.005, respectively for OS). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high blood survivin mRNA level was an independent predictor for worse DFS and OS in the NSCLC patients receiving NCT. In conclusion, survivin mRNA level in blood from stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients receiving NCT is predictive of cancer outcome.

Avian-origin H3N2 canine influenza virus circulating in farmed dogs in Guangdong, China

Since 2006, more and more cases of the infectious H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV) in pet dogs have been reported in Southern China. However, little is known about the prevalence situation of H3N2 CIV infections in farmed dogs in China. This is the first systematic epidemiological surveillance of CIV in different dog populations in Southern China. Two virus strains A/Canine/Guangdong/1/2011(H3N2) and A/canine/Guangdong/5/2011(H3N2) were isolated from canine nasal swabs collected at one dog farm in Guangzhou and the other farm in Shenzhen. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of eight gene segments of these viruses revealed that they were most similar to the newly isolated canine H3N2 viruses in dogs and cats from Korea and China, which originated from avian strain. This indicates that H3N2 CIV may be a common pathogen for pet and farmed dog populations in Southern China at present. Serological surveillance has shown that the infection rate of this avian-origin canine influenza in farmed dogs and in pet dogs were 12.22% and 5.3%, respectively; as determined by the ELISA. The data also suggested that transmission occurred, most probably by close contact, between H3N2 CIV infected dogs in different dog populations in recently years. As H3N2 outbreaks among dogs continue in the Guangdong Province (located very close to Hong Kong), the areas where is densely populated and with frequent animal trade, there is a continued risk for pet H3N2 CIV infections and for mutations or genetic reassortment leading to new virus strains with increased transmissibility among dogs. Further in-depth study is required as the H3N2 CIV has been established in different dog populations and posed potential threat to public health.

Diagnostic value of the FHIT and p16 mRNA loss and the K-ras gene mutation in pleural fluids for malignant pleural effusion

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes are involved in the development of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) and p16 mRNA loss and the K-ras gene mutation in distinguishing malignant from benign pleural effusion. A total of 50 patients with malignant pleural effusion and 30 patients with benign pleural effusion were enrolled in this study. All pleural fluid specimens were evaluated in parallel by cytology, reverse transcriptase-PCR for the loss of FHIT and p16 mRNA, and PCR-SSCP (single-stranded conformation polymorphism) for the mutation of K-ras gene. The detection rates of FHIT and p16 mRNA loss were significantly higher in malignant than in benign pleural effusion (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001). The K-ras mutations were more frequent in malignant than benign pleural effusion (P = 0.006). The sensitivity and specificity were 58% and 93% for FHIT loss, 48% and 90% for p16 loss, and 44% and 87% for the K-ras mutation, respectively. In combined evaluation with both FHIT and p16 loss, the sensitivity was 68%, and specificity was 90%. The combination of the three molecular markers reached 74% sensitivity, whereas the combined use of the cytology and the three markers increased the diagnostic yield of the former by 38%. More than one third of cytology negative malignant pleural effusion could be identified by at least one of the three markers. These results suggest that the detection of FHIT and p16 mRNA loss and the k-ras gene mutation in pleural fluid could be helpful adjunct to cytology in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.

One-pot synthesis of 5H-1,3,4-thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives

A novel and efficient one-pot method has been developed for the synthesis of 2-substituted-5H-1,3,4-thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives by the tandem reaction of [3 + 3] cycloaddition, reduction, deamination.

Adrenomedullin and adrenotensin regulate collagen synthesis and proliferation in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

To understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and extracellular-matrix accumulation in the development of pulmonary hypertension and remodeling, this study determined the effects of different doses of adrenomedullin (ADM) and adrenotensin (ADT) on PASMC proliferation and collagen synthesis. The objective was to investigate whether extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling was involved in ADM- and ADT-stimulated proliferation of PASMCs in 4-week-old male Wistar rats (body weight: 100-150 g, n=10). The proliferation of PASMCs was examined by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation. A cell growth curve was generated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. Expression of collagen I, collagen III, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The effects of different concentrations of ADM and ADT on collagen I, collagen III, and p-ERK1/2 protein expression were determined by immunoblotting. We also investigated the effect of PD98059 inhibition on the expression of p-ERK1/2 protein by immunoblotting. ADM dose-dependently decreased cell proliferation, whereas ADT dose-dependently increased it; and ADM and ADT inhibited each other with respect to their effects on the proliferation of PASMCs. Consistent with these results, the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and p-ERK1/2 in rat PASMCs decreased after exposure to ADM but was upregulated after exposure to ADT. PD98059 significantly inhibited the downregulation by ADM and the upregulation by ADT of p-ERK1/2 expression. We conclude that ADM inhibited, and ADT stimulated, ERK1/2 signaling in rat PASMCs to regulate cell proliferation and collagen expression.

CK-19 mRNA-positive cells in peripheral blood predict treatment efficacy and survival in small-cell lung cancer patients

Small-cell lung caner (SCLC) is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) mRNA-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) predicts treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in SCLC patients who received standard therapy. Fifty-five SCLC patients were enrolled in this single-center prospective study. CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs in blood samples were detected using real-time quantitative-PCR assay before the initiation of chemotherapy (B0) and after one chemotherapy cycle (B1) and three chemotherapy cycles (B3). The association with known prognostic factors and the effect of CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs on patients' prognosis were analyzed. Patients with positivity for CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs at B0, B1, and B3 time points had shorter PFS and OS compared with patients without (P = 0.014 and P = 0.01, respectively, at B0; P = 0.008 and P = 0.002, respectively, at B1; P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively, at B3). Conversion of initial positivity for CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs to negativity at B1 and B3 time points was associated with longer PFS and OS compared with patients with persistent positivity at three time points (P = 0.008 and P = 0.010, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs at B0, B1, and B3 time points remained strong predictors of PFS and OS after adjustment for clinically significant factors. In conclusion, detection of CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs before and during chemotherapy is an accurate indication of subsequent disease progression and mortality for SCLC patients.