Spatial variation and controls of soil microbial necromass carbon in a tropical montane rainforest

Soil microbial necromass carbon is an important component of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool which helps to improve soil fertility and texture. However, the spatial pattern and variation mechanisms of fungal- and bacterial-derived necromass carbon at local scales in tropical rainforests are uncertain. This study showed that microbial necromass carbon and its proportion in SOC in tropical montane rainforest exhibited large spatial variation and significant autocorrelation, with significant high-high and low-low clustering patterns. Microbial necromass carbon accounted for approximately one-third of SOC, and the fungal-derived microbial necromass carbon and its proportion in SOC were, on average, approximately five times greater than those of bacterial-derived necromass. Structural equation models indicated that soil properties (SOC, total nitrogen, total phosphorus) and topographic features (elevation, convexity, and aspect) had significant positive effects on microbial necromass carbon concentrations, but negative effects on its proportions in SOC (especially the carbon:nitrogen ratio). Plant biomass also had significant negative effects on the proportion of microbial necromass carbon in SOC, but was not correlated with its concentration. The different spatial variation mechanisms of microbial necromass carbon and their proportions in SOC are possibly related to a slower accumulation rate of microbial necromass carbon than of plant-derived organic carbon. Geographic spatial correlations can significantly improve the microbial necromass carbon model fit, and low sampling resolution may lead to large uncertainties in estimating soil carbon dynamics at specific sites. Our work will be valuable for understanding microbial necromass carbon variation in tropical forests and soil carbon prediction model construction with microbial participation.

Cross-scale spatial variability and associations of carbon pools provide insight into regulating carbon sequestration in tropical montane rainforests

The spatial distribution of plant, soil, and microbial carbon pools, along with their intricate interactions, presents a great challenge for the current carbon cycle research. However, it is not clear what are the characteristics of the spatial variability of these carbon pools, particularly their cross-scale relationships. We investigated the cross-scale spatial variability of microbial necromass carbon (MNC), soil organic carbon (SOC) and plant biomass (PB), as well as their correlation in a tropical montane rainforest using multifractal analysis. The results showed multifractal spatial variations of MNC, SOC, and PB, demonstrating their adherence to power-law scaling. MNC, especially low MNC, exhibited stronger spatial heterogeneity and weaker evenness compared with SOC and PB. The cross-scale correlation between MNC and SOC was stronger than their correlations at the measurement scale. Furthermore, the cross-scale spatial variability of MNC and SOC exhibited stronger and more stable correlations than those with PB. Additionally, this research suggests that when SOC and PB are both low, it is advisable for reforestations to potentiate MNC formation, whereas when both SOC and PB are high some thinning can be advisable to favour MNC formation. Thus, these results support the utilization of management measures such as reforestation or thinning as nature-based solutions to regulate carbon sequestration capacity of tropical forests by affecting the correlations among various carbon pools.

[Electroencephalographic microstates in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the biomarkers of tinnitus in vestibular schwannoma patients using electroencephalographic (EEG) microstate technology.

METHODS

The EEG and clinical data of 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma were collected. All the patients were evaluated by SAS, SDS, THI and VAS scales. The EEG acquisition time was 10-15 min, and the EEG data were preprocessed and analyzed using MATLAB and EEGLAB software package.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma, 29 patients had tinnitus and 12 did not have tinnitus, and their clinical parameters were comparable. The average global explanation variances of the non-tinnitus and tinnitus groups were 78.8% and 80.1%, respectively. The results of EEG microstate analysis showed that compared with those without tinnitus, the patients with tinnitus had an increased frequency (P=0.033) and contribution (P=0.028) of microstate C. Correlation analysis showed that THI scale scores of the patients were negatively correlated with the duration of microstate A (R=-0.435, P=0.018) and positively with the frequencies of microstate B (R=0.456, P=0.013) and microstate C (R=0.412, P=0.026). Syntax analysis showed that the probability of transition from microstate C to microstate B increased significantly in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus (P=0.031).

CONCLUSION

EEG microstate features differ significantly between vestibular schwannoma patients with and without tinnitus. This abnormality in patients with tinnitus may reflect the potential abnormality in the allocation of neural resources and the transition of brain functional activity.

[Treatment of orbital vascular malformations with intralesional bleomycin injection and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of bleomycin lavage combined with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization and resection in the treatment of orbital vascular malformations. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Patients with orbital vascular malformations diagnosed at the Ophthalmology Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2018 to October 2021 were included and divided into exophthalmos group and non-exophthalmos group based on whether the patients had postural exophthalmos. Intralesional bleomycin injection and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization were performed. The preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, the dosages of bleomycin and isobutyl cyanoacrylate glue, pathological results, imaging findings and remission rate were recorded and analyzed. The Chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed rank analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 58 patients (58 eyes)were included, and there were 22 males (37.9%)　and 36 females (62.1%). Nineteen (32.8%) patients had postural exophthalmos, and 39 (67.2%) patients did not suffer postural exophthalmos. The patient's age of the two groups was 39.0 (28.0, 54.5) years vs. 14.0 (5.7, 26.5) years, with a statistically significant difference (Z=-3.96, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in gender, eye laterality, follow-up time and the disease course between the two groups (all P>0.05). During the operation, the dosage of bleomycin was 15 000 (13 500, 15 000) U in the exophthalmos group, and 15 000 (9 000, 16 500) U in the non-exophthalmos group (Z=-0.70, P=0.944). The dosages of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue were 2.8 (1.0, 3.0) ml and 1.7 (1.0, 2.2) ml, respectively, in the two groups, with no significant difference (Z=-1.11, P=0.268). There was no visual impairment in both groups, while the visual acuity in 5 patients without postural exophthalmos was improved postoperatively. The imaging examination results showed no difference in the malformed vascular area before and after the treatment in the exophthalmos group [384.0 (329.0, 458.0) mm² vs. 330.5 (271.6, 356.7) mm²; Z=-1.26, P=0.208], but a significantly decreased area after the treatment in the non-exophthalmos group [960.8 (822.1, 1058.3) mm² vs. 311.6 (164.6, 361.6) mm²; Z=-2.67, P=0.008]. All patients had no obvious local or systemic adverse reactions during the follow-up. The pathology reports showed vascular malformations in all 15 specimens obtained from the exophthalmos group, as well as vascular malformations in 41.0% (16/39) of specimens and venous lymphatic malformations in 59.0% (23/39) of specimens from the non-exophthalmos group. Thirty-nine patients had complete remission (67.2%), 19 patients had partial remission (32.8%), and the effective treatment rate was 100%. Conclusion: Bleomycin lavage combined with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization can achieve good therapeutic effects on orbital vascular malformations.

[Comparison of time series and case-crossover analyses in environmental epidemiology]

Time-series and case-crossover are two main study designs in environmental epidemiology. However, due to the differences in design principles and model construction between the two analyses, the results of the two analyses may not be consistent. Herein, we examined the short-term effect of cold spells on cardiovascular mortality in Nanjing using both time series and case-crossover analyses, aiming to provide a basis for the selection of appropriate research design in environmental epidemiology.

Model Selection for the Preclinical Development of New Drug-Radiotherapy Combinations

Radiotherapy plays an essential role in the treatment of more than half of all patients with cancer. In recent decades, advances in devices that deliver radiation and the development of treatment planning software have helped radiotherapy attain precise tumour targeting with minimal toxicity to surrounding tissues. Simultaneously, as more targeted drug therapies are being brought into the market, there has been significant interest in improving cure rates for cancer by adding drugs to radiotherapy to widen the therapeutic window, the difference between normal tissue toxicity and treatment efficacy. The development of new combination therapies will require judicious adaptation of preclinical models that are routinely used for traditional drug discovery. Here we highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each of these preclinical models and discuss how they can be used optimally to identify new and clinically beneficial drug-radiotherapy combinations.

Analysis of risk factors and prognosis of post-stroke pulmonary infection in integrated ICU

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of SAP (stroke-associated pneumonia) is high in integrated ICU (Intensive Care Unit), and it might result in sepsis, which exacerbates the clinical outcome and increases mortality. It is necessary to investigate the epidemiological features of post-stroke infection and sepsis, identify the risk factors and analyze the prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 329 patients with cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, from seven tertiary university hospitals in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016. Basic demographic and clinical data including common health evaluation, stroke severity, microbiological parameters, surgical interventions and treatments were recorded for the analysis. SAP was diagnosed according to the criteria and recommendation from American Heart Association (AHA).

RESULTS

188 (66.4%) patients suffered pneumonia, 124 patients were diagnosed as SAP. Compared with SAP, patients with non-SAP pulmonary infection had prolonged mechanical ventilation time, prolonged central venous catheter indwelling time, and higher incidence of sepsis (17.7% vs. 48.4%). 53 patients (18.7%) developed sepsis during hospitalization, whose mortality rate during hospitalization and the occurrence of neurologic dysfunction at 3 months were significantly increased (p<0.05). 130 positive results of sputum cultures were found. The detected pathogens were mainly gram-negative bacteria. The pathogenic detection rate of non-SAP patients with pulmonary infection was higher (78.1%). The in-hospital mortality was 16.3% and the related risk factors were higher NIHSS score at admission, lower GCS score at admission, pulmonary infection (especially non-SAP pulmonary infection) and sepsis during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of pulmonary infection after stroke in the integrated ICU is high, and it is easy to be complicated with sepsis, prolonging the mechanical ventilation time, central venous catheter indwelling time and hospitalization time, and the prognosis of long-term neurological function is relatively poor. The definition of stroke-associated pneumonia has implications for the classification of clinical infections, the prediction of possible pathogenic pathogens, and the guidance of anti-infective treatment.

MiR-16 inhibits proliferation of cervical cancer cells by regulating KRAS

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-16 on the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer (CC) cells and its related regulatory mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The downstream regulatory targets of miR-16 were analyzed based on the miRNA online database. HCC94 cells were selected as experimental objects. Subsequently, the cells were transfected with miR-16 mimic (miR-16 mimic group), miR-16 small interfering RNA (siRNA) (miR-16 siRNA group) and only Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent [blank control group and miR-16 normal control (NC) group]. The expression level of miR-16 in HCC94 cells was measured via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assay and flow cytometry were then conducted to detect the effects of miR-16 on the viability, proliferation and apoptosis of HCC94 cells, respectively. Additionally, the effect of miR-16 on the protein expression level of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) in HCC94 cells was determined via Western blotting.

RESULTS

MiRNA online database analysis showed that KRAS was the downstream target of miR-16. Compared with miR-16 NC group, the viability and proliferation ability of HCC94 cells increased significantly in miR-16 siRNA group but decreased significantly in miR-16 mimic group (p<0.05). However, the apoptosis rate evidently declined in miR-16 siRNA group while increased remarkably in miR-16 mimic group (p<0.05). In addition, the protein expression level of KRAS in HCC94 cells was significantly higher in miR-16 siRNA group but significantly lower in miR-16 mimic group when compared with miR-16 NC group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-16 is lowly expressed in HCC94 cells. Moreover, highly expressed miR-16 represses the viability and proliferation of HCC94 cells and promotes their apoptosis by targeted regulation on KRAS.

Identifying changing interspecific associations along gradients at multiple scales using wavelet correlation networks

Identifying interspecific associations is very important for understanding the community assembly process. However, most methods provide only an average association and assume that the association strength does not vary along the environmental gradient or with time. The scale effects are generally ignored. We integrated the idea of wavelet and network topological analysis to provide a novel way to detect nonrandom species associations across scales and along gradients using continuous or presence-absence ecological data. We first used a simulated species distribution data set to illustrate how the wavelet correlation analysis builds an association matrix and demonstrates its statistical robustness. Then, we applied the wavelet correlation network to a presence-absence data set of soil invertebrates. We found that the associations of invertebrates varied along an altitudinal gradient. We conclude by discussing several possible extensions of this method, such as predicting community assembly, utility in the temporal dimension, and the shifting effects of highly connected species within a community. The combination of the multiscale decomposition of wavelet and network topology analysis has great potential for fostering an understanding of the assembly and succession of communities, as well as predicting their responses to future climate change across spatial or temporal scales.

A184 INCIDENCE OF VENOUS THROMBOTIC EVENTS AND RISK FACTORS IN CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE, CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Background

Limited research has been published to describe the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and relevant risk factors in Canadian children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims

The present study aimed to investigate the incidence of VTE amongst hospitalized pediatric IBD patients over a 10-year period and identify risk factors for the development of VTE.

Methods

A retrospective, matched case-control study was performed at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Hospitalized pediatric patients with IBD (&lt;18 years old) from September 2009 to August 2020 were selected. Inpatient data was extracted from the medical record database, including baseline demographic data, thromboembolic events and potential risk factors for VTE.

Results

There were 890 hospitalizations of IBD patients during the study period. 15 (1.69%) were diagnosed with a VTE, including 4 males and 11 females (mean age 13.4±2.9 years old). 12 ulcerative colitis (UC) (80%) and 3 Crohn’s disease (CD) (20%) hospitalizations were comprised in the VTE group. There was a significant difference in VTE rate between females (2.7%) and males (0.8%) (P = 0.03). The VTE rate in the UC group (4.2%) was significantly higher than in the CD group (0.6%) (P = 0.001). The incidence of VTE amongst hospitalized IBD patients did not vary over the 10-year period (P = 0.496). Length of stay in hospital, albumin level and central venous catheter were shown to be significantly different, although they were not identified as independent risk factors (P &gt;0 .05). Of the 15 hospitalizations with VTE, 6/15 (40%) were superficial VTEs in the extremities and 9/15 (60%) had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) including 6 in the extremities and 3 in the abdomen. VTEs were associated with a peripheral line in 7 patients and with a PICC line in 4 hospitalizations. 2 of 9 (22%) with extremity DVT developed symptomatic pulmonary embolism. An inherited thrombotic condition was identified in 2 of 15 with VTEs. 12/15 (80%) with VTEs were symptomatic and all VTE related symptoms happened in patients with extremity thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 7 of 15 (47%) VTEs were treated with anticoagulation therapy for 1–6 months. VTE related symptoms and repeat imaging tests significantly improved, and no patient developed a bleeding complication as a result of treatment.

Conclusions

The VTE rate in pediatric IBD patients was relatively low at McMaster Children’s hospital. Children with VTE were disproportionately females with ulcerative colitis compared with children with no VTE. Central venous line insertion may be correlated with the risk for VTE in children with IBD. Most VTEs and related symptoms happened in patients with extremity thrombosis and secondary pulmonary embolus. Anticoagulation therapy in children with IBD with active disease appears to be safe.

Funding Agencies

Kids Dig Health Funding from McMaster Children’s Hospital, McMaster University

Supplemental iodine-containing prenatal multivitamins use and the potential effects on pregnancy outcomes in a mildly iodine-deficient region

PURPOSE

The use and contribution of prenatal multivitamins (PMV) as iodine source for pregnant women in China, especially in mildly iodine-deficient region, have not been well studied. This study aimed to explore the association between PMV intake during pregnancy and thyroid function in mothers and newborns.

METHODS

We performed a study involving women with a history of taking PMV during pregnancy between January 2013 and October 2015, in Shanghai, a mildly iodine-deficient region. Maternal thyroid function in early and late pregnancy, and neonatal TSH on postnatal d 3 were obtained from medical records. We compared the outcomes in pregnant women who took exclusively iodine-containing PMV (I + PMV) with those who took exclusively non-contained PMV (I- PMV). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify women with similar baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

After PSM, 1280 women in I + PMV and 2560 in I- PMV had similar propensity scores and were included in the analyses. Introduction of I + PMV to women was associated with slightly higher maternal thyroid hormone production (higher maternal FT4, p = 0.01, non-significantly lower TSH, p = 0.79) and lower neonatal TSH levels (p < 0.0001). The frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes or thyroid dysfunctions did not differ between groups in late pregnancy. Mothers received I + PMV (0.2 SD) had a stronger association of maternal TSH with neonatal TSH than those who received I- PMV (0.1 SD). These effects were only shown in TPOAb-negative mothers, not in TPOAb-positive mothers.

CONCLUSION

TPOAb-positive women display an impaired iodine transport in thyroid and placenta, and this may explain the lack of changes in maternal and neonatal thyroid parameters with I + PMV supplementation in these women. This phenomenon might suggest that these women require different iodine doses or treatment approach in comparison with TPOAb-negative women.

[Consistency of effective orifice area of prosthetic mitral valve estimated using 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the consistency of effective orifice area (EOA) of prosthetic mitral valve estimated using 2- dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted among 34 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery in Nanjing First Hospital between March and June in 2019. The diameter of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) measured by 2D-TEE was used to calculate the cross sectional area of LVOT (CSALVOT). In 3D-TEE method, LVOT area was measured directly by planimetry on an enface view. The EOAs of the prosthetic mitral valve were calculated for both methods using the continuity equation. Bland-Altman plot consistency test was used to analyze the consistency between the two sets of EOA results, and linear regression analysis was used to analyze their correlation.

OBJECTIVE

The EOA of the prosthetic mitral valve differed significantly between 2D method and 3D method (2.22±0.71 cm² vs 2.35±0.70 cm², P < 0.001) with a mean difference of -0.14±0.20 cm² and 95% coherence boundaries of (-0.53, 0.25 cm²). The regression equation for EOA-3D and EOA-2D is y=0.27 + 0.94x, showing a good correlation between the two methods.

OBJECTIVE

EOA estimation of the prosthetic mitral valve using 2D and 3D TEE has a good consistency, and the results estimated by the 2D method are slightly lower by about 6% than those by the 3D method.

Hsa_circ_0005075 predicts a poor prognosis and acts as an oncogene in colorectal cancer via activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

OBJECTIVE

Emerging evidence has demonstrated vital regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) on tumorigenesis and progression of tumors. Abnormally expressed circRNAs hsa_circ_0005075 (circ_0005075) has been reported in several tumors. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression profiles, prognostic value, and potential function of circ_0005075 in colorectal cancer (CRC) PATIENTS AND METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of circ_0005075 in both CRC tissues and cell lines. The associations between circ_0005075 expression and clinicopathological features and clinical prognosis were statistically analyzed. The effects of circ_0005075 on CRC cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assays, Flow cytometer, and transwell assays. Western blot was performed to explore whether circ_0005075 modulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

RESULTS

We observed that circ_0005075 expression was significantly up-regulated in both CRC tissues and cell lines. Then, clinical assays indicated that high circ_0005075 expression was significantly associated with histology/differentiation, depth of invasion, advanced TNM stage, and shorter overall survival and disease-free survival of CRC patients. Cellular studies indicated that circ_0005075 can enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of CRC cells, thereby promoting tumor progression. Further mechanistic investigation showed that circ_0005075 displayed its tumor-promotive roles through activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present data revealed circ_0005075 as a potential molecular marker and target for the prognosis and treatment of CRC patients.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography for the diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Early detection of cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity remains challenging. This prospective study was performed to evaluate the ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to detect CLNM from oral cavity SCC. Additionally, its diagnostic value was compared with that of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Forty-eight consecutive patients with SCC of the oral cavity were enrolled. All subjects were examined preoperatively with both CEUS and CECT. Subsequently, neck dissections were performed for these patients, and cervical lymph nodes separated from the surgical specimens were assessed histologically. The diagnostic performance of these two examinations was compared based on the results of histopathology. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index for CEUS and CECT were 69.39% vs. 44.90%, 94.71% vs. 97.12%, 89.88%% vs. 87.16%, 75.56% vs. 78.57%, 92.92% vs. 88.21%, and 64.10% vs. 42.02%, respectively. A significant difference was observed in terms of sensitivity (P=0.024) and Youden index (rate difference 22.08%, 95% confidence interval 2.72-41.44%). Therefore, CEUS appears to be a promising diagnostic tool that is superior to CECT for detecting CLNM from SCC of the oral cavity, with a higher sensitivity.

Sex modulates the apolipoprotein E ε4 effect on white matter and cortical functional connectivity in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent studies from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative show that, in the USA, 75% of patients with Alzheimer's disease are female. To date, there have rarely been any attempts to analyze data by sex or gender, which limits the potential for discovering the effects of sex or gender on disease. Little evidence is available regarding the effect of gender and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 on white matter (WM) connection from the functional perspective due to the lack of appropriate techniques for detecting blood-oxygen-level-dependent signals in WM.

METHODS

We took advantage of a new framework known as functional tensor imaging to investigate the effect of sex and APOEε4 on WM cortical functional connectivity throughout the brain.

RESULTS

In a group of female patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, we found a significantly reduced functional connectivity in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule, left superior fronto-occipital fasciculus, bilateral temporopolar area and right somatosensory association cortex in APOEε4 carriers in contrast to non-carriers. We also found a significant APOEε4 by sex interaction effect on the right somatosensory association cortex, left temporopolar area and left superior temporal gyrus. The clinical Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was significantly negatively associated with the right somatosensory association cortex with APOEε4 by sex interaction in males.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that increased APOE-related risk in women may be associated with decreased activity in both gray matter and WM in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment compared with men. The finding suggests accounting for sex differences in neuroimaging biomarkers, diagnostics and treatment strategy.

MiR-203 over-expression promotes prostate cancer cell apoptosis and reduces ADM resistance

The article "MiR-203 over-expression promotes prostate cancer cell apoptosis and reduces ADM resistance, by Chen LZ, Ding Z, Zhang Y, He ST, Wang XH, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2018 Jun;22(12):3734-3741. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201806_15253. PMID: 29949147" has been withdrawn from the authors. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

MiR-203 over-expression promotes prostate cancer cell apoptosis and reduces ADM resistance

OBJECTIVE

Extra-cellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is widely involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance. MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1) is the upstream protein kinase of ERK that can activate ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. microRNA 203 (MiR-203) down-regulation is found to be associated with prostate cancer pathogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis showed the complementary targeted relationship between miR-203 and the 3'-UTR of MEK1 mRNA. This study explored the role of miR-203 in regulating prostate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and ADM resistance through affecting MEK1 expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dual luciferase assay confirmed the targeted relationship between miR-203 and MEK1. MiR-203, MEK1, p-ERK1/2, and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expressions were compared in normal prostate epithelial cells PrEC, prostate cancer cells PC-3M, and drug resistance cells PC-3M/ADM. PC-3M, PC-3M/ADM cell apoptosis and proliferation were detected by using flow cytometry under ADM treatment at IC50 concentration of PC-3M cells. PC-3M cells were cultured in vitro and divided into four groups, including microRNA-normal control (miR-NC), miR-203 mimic, small interfere NC (si-NC), and si-MEK1.

RESULTS

MiR-203 targeted and inhibited MEK1 expression. MiR-203 levels and cell apoptosis were significantly lower, while MEK1, p-ERK1/2, Bcl-2, and cell proliferation were significantly higher in PC-3M/ADM cells compared to the PC-3M cells. MiR-203 mimic and/or si-MEK1 transfection significantly reduced MEK1, p-ERK1/2, and Bcl-2 levels, attenuated cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and decreased drug resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-203 elevation suppressed prostate cancer PC-3M cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and weakened ADM resistance through targeted inhibiting MEK1 expression to alleviate ERK/MAPK signaling pathway and Bcl-2 expression.

Observation of second sound in graphite at temperatures above 100 K

Wavelike thermal transport in solids, referred to as second sound, is an exotic phenomenon previously limited to a handful of materials at low temperatures. The rare occurrence of this effect restricted its scientific and practical importance. We directly observed second sound in graphite at temperatures above 100 kelvins by using time-resolved optical measurements of thermal transport on the micrometer-length scale. Our experimental results are in qualitative agreement with ab initio calculations that predict wavelike phonon hydrodynamics. We believe that these results potentially indicate an important role of second sound in microscale transient heat transport in two-dimensional and layered materials in a wide temperature range.

Imaging features of metanephric adenoma and their pathological correlation

AIM

To analyse the imaging features of metanephric adenoma (MA) and their pathological correlation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The imaging findings in 11 patients with MA were studied retrospectively. Ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were studied in seven, 11, and six patients, respectively. The enhancement pattern, attenuation, lesion location, size, cystic or solid appearance, capsule sign, and presence of calcifications were evaluated.

RESULTS

On ultrasonography, MA presented as hypoechoic (4/7), slightly hyperechoic (1/7), isoechoic (2/7), and with a clear boundary. Unenhanced CT showed unclear boundaries (11/11), homogeneous isodensity (8/11), with calcification (1/11), necrosis (1/11), and heterogeneous hyperattenuation (1/11). Mean CT attenuation values on unenhanced and enhanced CT (cortical phase, corticomedullary phase, and excretory phase) were 38.87±6.66, 55.71±17.74, 67.77±16.86, and 65.62±15.99 HU, respectively. The degree of enhancement of the lesions in each phase was statistically significantly lower than that of the surrounding normal renal parenchyma (p=0.00). The pattern of enhancement of the solid component was slight and gradual enhancement (9/11). The tumour was located entirely within the renal medulla in nine cases, and two cases demonstrated an exophytic pattern. All tumours showed a clear boundary on enhanced CT, but capsules were not found. The mean greatest tumour diameter was 3.5 cm. MA showed markedly hyperintense on the diffusion-weighted MRI sequence (DWI) and delayed enhancement of the tumour capsule on enhanced MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging features of MA are usually solid and hypovascular, and show prolonged, and homogeneous mild enhancement that is less than that of the surrounding normal renal parenchyma in all phases. MA is markedly hyperintense on DWI.

Physcion 8-O-β-glucopyranoside prevents hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer HCT116 cells by modulating EMMPRIN

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered as the most important mechanism that underlies the initiation of cancer metastasis. Here we report that Physicon 8-O-β-glucopyranoside (PG), a major active ingredient from a traditional Chinese herbal medicine Rumex japonicus Houtt, is capable of preventing human colorectal cancer cells from hypoxia-induced EMT. The treatment of the cells with PG reversed the EMT-related phenotype that has the morphological changes, down-regulation of E-cadherin, and hypoxia-induced cell migration and invasion. The effect was mediated at least in part by inhibiting the mRNA and protein expressions of EMMPRIN via modulation of PTEN/Akt/HIF-1α pathway. In addition, we found that PG-mediated prevention of EMT involved blockade of the hypoxia-induced up-regulation of Snail, Slug and Twist. In summary, this study showed that PG can prevent EMT induced by hypoxia, the environment that commonly exists in the center of a solid tumor. Given the low toxicity of PG to the healthy tissues, our study suggests that PG can serve as a safe therapeutic agent for suppressing cancer metastasis.

Long-term immunogenicity and immune persistence of live attenuated and inactivated hepatitis a vaccines: a report on additional observations from a phase IV study

Both live attenuated (HA-L) and inactivated (HA-I) hepatitis A vaccine were licensed for routine use in China. Although phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical studies of both vaccines have been completed, further systematic evaluation of their immunogenicity and immunological persistence under phase 4 clinical studies in a wide range of conditions and involving large populations is necessary. A phase IV clinical trial (NCT02601040) was performed in 9000 participants over 18 months of age. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and seroconversion rates (SRs) were compared at five time points during 3 years for 1800 individuals among them. The SRs of HA-L and HA-I were 98.08% (95% CI 95.59%-99.38%) and 99.64% (95% CI 98.93%-100.00%) respectively 28 days after administration of the first dose, and remained at 97.07% (95% CI 94.31%-98.73%) or above and 96.73% (95% CI 94.07%-98.42%) or above respectively during the following 3 years. The GMCs for both the HA-L and HA-I groups showed that both vaccines elicited high anti-HAV titres, considerably more than the threshold of protection needed against HAV infection in humans, and these titres were sustained. Hence, both HA-I and HA-L vaccines could provide an excellent long-term protective effect, and supported the routine use of both vaccines.

Clinical and molecular insights into Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in China

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by spontaneous mucocutaneous bleeding. The disorder is caused by quantitative or qualitative defects in integrin αIIbβ3 (encoded by ITGA2B and ITGB3) on the platelet and is more common in consanguineous populations. However, the prevalence rate and clinical characteristics of GT in non-consanguineous populations have been unclear. We analyzed 97 patients from 93 families with GT in the Han population in China. This analysis showed lower consanguinity (18.3%) in Han patients than other ethnic populations in GT-prone countries. Compared with other ethnic populations, there was no significant difference in the distribution of GT types. Han females suffered more severe bleeding and had a poorer prognosis. We identified a total of 43 different ITGA2B and ITGB3 variants, including 25 previously unidentified, in 45 patients. These variants included 14 missense, 4 nonsense, 4 frameshift, and 3 splicing site variants. Patients with the same genotype generally manifested the same GT type but presented with different bleeding severities. This suggests that GT clinical phenotype does not solely depend on genotype. Our study provides an initial, yet important, clinical and molecular characterization of GT heterogeneity in China.

Estrogen-dependent association of HDAC4 with fear in female mice and women with PTSD

Women are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event. Recent studies suggest that this may be mediated, in part, by circulating estrogen levels. This study evaluated the hypothesis that individual variation in response to estrogen levels contributes to fear regulation and PTSD risk in women. We evaluated DNA methylation from blood of female participants in the Grady Trauma Project and found that serum estradiol levels associates with DNA methylation across the genome. For genes expressed in blood, we examined the association between each CpG site and PTSD diagnosis using linear models that adjusted for cell proportions and age. After multiple test correction, PTSD associated with methylation of CpG sites in the HDAC4 gene, which encodes histone deacetylase 4, and is involved in long-term memory formation and behavior. DNA methylation of HDAC4 CpG sites were tagged by a nearby single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs7570903), which also associated with HDAC4 expression, fear-potentiated startle and resting-state functional connectivity of the amygdala in traumatized humans. Using auditory Pavlovian fear conditioning in a rodent model, we examined the regulation of Hdac4 in the amygdala of ovariectomized (OVX) female mice. Hdac4 messenger RNA levels were higher in the amygdala 2 h after tone-shock presentations, compared with OVX-homecage control females. In naturally cycling females, tone-shock presentations increased Hdac4 expression relative to homecage controls for metestrous (low estrogen) but not the proestrous (high estrogen) group. Together, these results support an estrogenic influence of HDAC4 regulation and expression that may contribute to PTSD in women.

Co-occurrence of DSM-IV mental disorders and alcohol use disorder among adult Chinese males

BACKGROUND

Studies from high-income countries report moderate-to-strong positive associations between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other mental disorders, but there is little evidence about the comorbidity of AUD from low-and-middle-income countries.

METHODS

A sample of 74 752 adults from five provinces that account for >12% of China's adult population was screened using the General Health Questionnaire, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV was administered by psychiatrists to a subsample of 9619 males. The associations between AUD and other mental disorders at each site and the characteristics of men with AUD with and without comorbid mental disorders were estimated using logistic regression and summarized across sites using meta-analysis. Generalized estimation equations estimated the associations between the clinical features of alcohol dependence and comorbidity.

RESULTS

Robust inverse associations were found between current AUD and any mood disorder (adjusted OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4-0.8) and any anxiety disorder (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-1.0). Compared with men without AUD, men with AUD without comorbid disorders were more likely to be middle-aged, to be currently married, and to have higher family incomes. Men with comorbid AUD and other disorders were more likely to have the clinical features of alcohol dependence than men with AUD without comorbid disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Inverse associations between AUD and other mental disorders and the higher social status of men with AUD than men without AUD found in this large, representative sample of community-dwelling Chinese males highlight the importance of considering the local substance-use culture when designing clinical or preventive interventions for addictive conditions.

Image scanning fluorescence emission difference microscopy based on a detector array

We propose a novel imaging method that enables the enhancement of three-dimensional resolution of confocal microscopy significantly and achieve experimentally a new fluorescence emission difference method for the first time, based on the parallel detection with a detector array. Following the principles of photon reassignment in image scanning microscopy, images captured by the detector array were arranged. And by selecting appropriate reassign patterns, the imaging result with enhanced resolution can be achieved with the method of fluorescence emission difference. Two specific methods are proposed in this paper, showing that the difference between an image scanning microscopy image and a confocal image will achieve an improvement of transverse resolution by approximately 43% compared with that in confocal microscopy, and the axial resolution can also be enhanced by at least 22% experimentally and 35% theoretically. Moreover, the methods presented in this paper can improve the lateral resolution by around 10% than fluorescence emission difference and 15% than Airyscan. The mechanism of our methods is verified by numerical simulations and experimental results, and it has significant potential in biomedical applications.

Ubiquitination and regulation of AURKA identifies a hypoxia-independent E3 ligase activity of VHL

The hypoxia-regulated tumor-suppressor von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is an E3 ligase that recognizes its substrates as part of an oxygen-dependent prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) reaction, with hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIFα) being its most notable substrate. Here we report that VHL has an equally important function distinct from its hypoxia-regulated activity. We find that Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a novel, hypoxia-independent target for VHL ubiquitination. In contrast to its hypoxia-regulated activity, VHL mono-, rather than poly-ubiquitinates AURKA, in a PHD-independent reaction targeting AURKA for degradation in quiescent cells, where degradation of AURKA is required to maintain the primary cilium. Tumor-associated variants of VHL differentiate between these two functions, as a pathogenic VHL mutant that retains intrinsic ability to ubiquitinate HIFα is unable to ubiquitinate AURKA. Together, these data identify VHL as an E3 ligase with important cellular functions under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Punch biopsy guided by both colposcopy and HR-HPV status is more efficient for identification of immediate high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse among HPV-infected women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the accuracy of colposcopy for diagnosing high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or worse (HSIL+) in human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) cytology, and determine whether genotyping and viral load quantitation can be useful for detecting immediate HSIL+ risk in these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This study included 620 cases with ASCUS and positive for high-risk (HR)-HPV within 1 month before or after cervical cytology at Qilu Hospital between February 2013 and February 2014. Based on the colposcopic impression, lesion-targeted punch biopsy, endocervical curettage biopsy or random cervical punch biopsy in four quadrants was performed on these patients within 1 month. The accuracy of colposcopy for diagnosing HSIL+ was evaluated through comparison with the biopsy results. HR-HPV status determined by Hybrid Capture 2 or HPV genotyping was analysed retrospectively as a possible predictor of HSIL+.

RESULTS

Agreement between colposcopic impression and cervical pathology was matched perfectly in 89.2% of cases (553/620), and the strength of agreement with the κ statistic was 0.698 (p<0.001). Colposcopy had high specificity (96.9%) but low sensitivity for detecting HSIL+ (67.5%). The risk of HSIL+ was significantly higher in patients with HPV-16 infection (52.3%) than in patients infected with other types of HPV (17.9%, p<0.001). HSIL+ and virus load was correlated at cut-offs (CO) of 50 relative light units (RLU)/CO and 100 RLU/CO (p=0.024 and 0.044, respectively). If considering HPV16 infection or high virus load (at 50 RLU/CO) as a diagnostic standard of HSIL+ when colposcopic impression was negative, sensitivity was improved to 74.7% and 81.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Good agreement was found between colposcopic and pathologic diagnosis. HR-HPV genotyping or virus load is relevant to the detection of HSIL+ among HPV-infected patients with ASCUS cytology. In these patients, biopsies considering HPV-16 infection or virus load ≥50 RLU/CO may be helpful for increasing the HSIL+ detection rate.

First case of hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in pond-reared Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, associated with microsporidian

An epidemic of hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (HPND) with a high mortality rate (40%-50%) recently occurred in the cultured Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, which is a very important economic crustacean species in China. Histology revealed infection by a microsporidian parasite within the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of the hepatopancreas. Numerous discrete inclusions in the infected cells and presumably free parasite spores were also observed. By negative staining using electron microscopy, a typical morphology of spores was observed with a protuberant front of the anchoring disc. Infection was confined to the epithelial cells of the hepatopancreas, with no other organ implicated. By sequencing the PCR products using specific primers based on conserved regions of microsporidian small subunit (18S) ribosomal DNA, it was revealed that the parasite from HPND ponds had 99% sequence identity to that of Hepatospora eriocheir. Phylogentic analysis also placed the microsporidian in the same lineage as H. eriocheir. This study reported the first case of widespread infections of H. eriocheir associated with HPND found in the pond-reared Chinese mitten crab, E. sinensis. The description of microsporidian in this important commercial host is fundamental for future consideration of factors affecting stock health and sustainability.

Phosphorylation-dependent cleavage regulates von Hippel Lindau proteostasis and function

Loss of von Hippel Lindau (VHL) protein function is a key driver of VHL diseases, including sporadic and inherited clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Modulation of the proteostasis of VHL, especially missense point-mutated VHL, is a promising approach to augmenting VHL levels and function. VHL proteostasis is regulated by multiple mechanisms including folding, chaperone binding, complex formation and phosphorylation. Nevertheless, many details underlying the regulations of VHL proteostasis are unknown. VHL is expressed as two variants, VHL30 and VHL19. Furthermore, the long-form variant of VHL was often detected as multiple bands by western blotting. However, how these multiple species of VHL are generated and whether the process regulates VHL proteostasis and function are unknown. We hypothesized that the two major species are generated by VHL protein cleavage, and the cleavage regulates VHL proteostasis and subsequent function. We characterized VHL species using genetical and pharmacological approaches and showed that VHL was first cleaved at the N-terminus by chymotrypsin C before being directed for proteasomal degradation. Casein kinase 2-mediated phosphorylation at VHL N-terminus was required for the cleavage. Furthermore, inhibition of cleavage stabilized VHL protein and thereby promoted HIF downregulation. Our study reveals a novel mechanism regulating VHL proteostasis and function, which is significant for identifying new drug targets and developing new therapeutic approaches targeting VHL deficiency in VHL diseases.

Association between high visceral fat area and postoperative complications in patients with Crohn's disease following primary surgery

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the association between visceral fat area (VFA) on CT and postoperative complications after primary surgery in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHOD

Inclusion criteria were patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CD who had preoperative abdominal CT scan. The areas of total fat, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat were measured using an established image-analysis method at the lumbar 3 (L3) level on CT cross-sectional images. Visceral obesity was defined as a visceral fat area (VFA) of ≥ 130 cm(2) . Clinical variables, intra-operative outcomes and postoperative courses within 30 days were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-three (38.4%) patients had postoperative complications. The mean age of the patients with complications (the study group) was 40.4 ± 15.4 years and of those without complications (the control group) was 35.8 ± 12.9 years (P = 0.049). There were no differences in disease location and behaviour between patients with or without complications (P > 0.05). In multivariable analysis, VFA [odds ratio (OR) = 2.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-6.62; P = 0.032] and corticosteroid use (OR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.32-6.21; P = 0.008) were found to be associated with postoperative complications. Patients with visceral obesity had a significantly longer operative time (P = 0.012), more blood loss (P = 0.019), longer bowel resection length (P = 0.003), postoperative ileus (P = 0.039) and a greater number of complications overall (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

High VFA was found to be associated with an increased risk for 30-day postoperative complications in patients with CD undergoing primary surgery.

Voxel-Based Morphometry and fMRI Revealed Differences in Brain Gray Matter in Breastfed and Milk Formula-Fed Children

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Infant diets may have significant impact on brain development in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate brain gray matter structure and function in 8-year-old children who were predominantly breastfed or fed cow's milk formula as infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two healthy children (breastfed: n = 22, 10 boys and 12 girls; cow's milk formula: n = 20, 10 boys and 10 girls) were studied by using structural MR imaging (3D T1-weighted imaging) and blood oxygen level-dependent fMRI (while performing tasks involving visual perception and language functions). They were also administered standardized tests evaluating intelligence (Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales) and language skills (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals).

RESULTS

Total brain gray matter volume did not differ between the breastfed and cow's milk formula groups. However, breastfed children had significantly higher (P < .05, corrected) regional gray matter volume measured by voxel-based morphometry in the left inferior temporal lobe and left superior parietal lobe compared with cow's milk formula-fed children. Breastfed children showed significantly more brain activation in the right frontal and left/right temporal lobes on fMRI when processing the perception task and in the left temporal/occipital lobe when processing the visual language task than cow's milk formula-fed children. The imaging findings were associated with significantly better performance for breastfed than cow's milk formula-fed children on both tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated greater regional gray matter development and better regional gray matter function in breastfed than cow's milk formula-fed children at 8 years of age and suggested that infant diets may have long-term influences on brain development in children.