Prognostic biomarker HIF1α and its correlation with immune infiltration in gliomas

Certain glioma subtypes, such as glioblastoma multiforme or low-grade glioma, are common malignant intracranial tumors with high rates of relapse and malignant progression even after standard therapy. The overall survival (OS) is poor in patients with gliomas; hence, effective prognostic prediction is crucial. Herein, the present study aimed to explore the potential role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α) in gliomas and investigate the association between HIF1α and infiltrating immune cells in gliomas. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were evaluated via RNA sequencing, clinicopathological, immunological checkpoint, immune infiltration and functional enrichment analyses. Validation of protein abundance was performed using paraffin-embedded samples from patients with glioma. A nomogram model was created to forecast the OS rates at 1, 3 and 5 years after cancer diagnosis. The association between OS and HIF1α expression was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test. Finally, HIF1α expression was validated using western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The results demonstrated that HIF1α expression was significantly upregulated in gliomas compared with normal human brain glial cells. Immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated differential expression of the HIF1α protein. Moreover, glioma cell viability and migration were inhibited via HIF1α downregulation. HIF1α impacted DNA replication, cell cycling, DNA repair and the immune microenvironment in glioma. HIF1α expression was also positively associated with several types of immune cells and immunological checkpoints and with neutrophils, plasmacytoid dendritic cells and CD56bright cells. The Kaplan-Meier survival analyses further demonstrated a strong association between high HIF1α expression and poor prognosis in patients with glioma. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated that HIF1α expression accurately differentiated paired normal brain cells from tumor tissues. Collectively, these findings suggested the potential for HIF1α to be used as a novel prognostic indicator for patients with glioma and that OS prediction models may help in the future to develop effective follow-up and treatment strategies for these patients.

Droplet Microfluidic Devices: Working Principles, Fabrication Methods, and Scale-Up Applications

Compared with the conventional emulsification method, droplets generated within microfluidic devices exhibit distinct advantages such as precise control of fluids, exceptional monodispersity, uniform morphology, flexible manipulation, and narrow size distribution. These inherent benefits, including intrinsic safety, excellent heat and mass transfer capabilities, and large surface-to-volume ratio, have led to the widespread applications of droplet-based microfluidics across diverse fields, encompassing chemical engineering, particle synthesis, biological detection, diagnostics, emulsion preparation, and pharmaceuticals. However, despite its promising potential for versatile applications, the practical utilization of this technology in commercial and industrial is extremely limited to the inherently low production rates achievable within a single microchannel. Over the past two decades, droplet-based microfluidics has evolved significantly, considerably transitioning from a proof-of-concept stage to industrialization. And now there is a growing trend towards translating academic research into commercial and industrial applications, primarily driven by the burgeoning demands of various fields. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advancements in droplet-based microfluidics, covering the fundamental working principles and the critical aspect of scale-up integration from working principles to scale-up integration. Based on the existing scale-up strategies, the paper also outlines the future research directions, identifies the potential opportunities, and addresses the typical unsolved challenges.

Developing a machine learning model for accurate nucleoside hydrogels prediction based on descriptors

Supramolecular hydrogels derived from nucleosides have been gaining significant attention in the biomedical field due to their unique properties and excellent biocompatibility. However, a major challenge in this field is that there is no model for predicting whether nucleoside derivative will form a hydrogel. Here, we successfully develop a machine learning model to predict the hydrogel-forming ability of nucleoside derivatives. The optimal model with a 71% (95% Confidence Interval, 0.69-0.73) accuracy is established based on a dataset of 71 reported nucleoside derivatives. 24 molecules are selected via the optimal model external application and the hydrogel-forming ability is experimentally verified. Among these, two rarely reported cation-independent nucleoside hydrogels are found. Based on their self-assemble mechanisms, the cation-independent hydrogel is found to have potential applications in rapid visual detection of Ag+ and cysteine. Here, we show the machine learning model may provide a tool to predict nucleoside derivatives with hydrogel-forming ability.

Climate warming has divergent physiological impacts on sympatric lizards

Climate warming is expected to affect the vulnerability of sympatric species differentially due to their divergent traits, but the underlying physiological mechanisms of those impacts are poorly understood. We conducted field warming experiments (present climate vs. warm climate) using open-top chambers to determine the effects of climate warming on active body temperature, oxidative damage, immune competence, growth and survival in two sympatric desert-dwelling lizards, Eremias multiocellata and Eremias argus from May 2019 to September 2020. Our climate warming treatment did not affect survival of the two species, but it did increase active body temperatures and growth rate in E. multiocellata compared to E. argus. Climate warming also induced greater oxidative damage (higher malondialdehyde content and catalase activity) in E. multiocellata, but not in E. argus. Further, climate warming increased immune competence in E. multiocellata, but decreased immune competence in E. argus, with regards to white blood cell counts, bacteria killing ability and relative expression of immunoglobulin M. Our results suggest that climate warming enhances body temperature, and thereby oxidative stress, immune competence and growth in E. multiocellata, but decreases immune competence of E. argus, perhaps as a cost of thermoregulation to maintain body temperatures under climate warming. The divergent physiological effects of climate warming on sympatric species may have profound ecological consequences if it eventually leads to changes in reproductive activities, population dynamics and community structure. Our study highlights the importance of considering interspecific differences in physiological traits when we evaluate the impact of climate warming on organisms, even for those closely-related species coexisting within the same geographical area.

Role of transforming growth factor-β in peripheral nerve regeneration

Injuries caused by trauma and neurodegenerative diseases can damage the peripheral nervous system and cause functional deficits. Unlike in the central nervous system, damaged axons in peripheral nerves can be induced to regenerate in response to intrinsic cues after reprogramming or in a growth-promoting microenvironment created by Schwann cells. However, axon regeneration and repair do not automatically result in the restoration of function, which is the ultimate therapeutic goal but also a major clinical challenge. Transforming growth factor (TGF) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates various biological processes including tissue repair, embryo development, and cell growth and differentiation. There is accumulating evidence that TGF-β family proteins participate in peripheral nerve repair through various factors and signaling pathways by regulating the growth and transformation of Schwann cells; recruiting specific immune cells; controlling the permeability of the blood-nerve barrier, thereby stimulating axon growth; and inhibiting remyelination of regenerated axons. TGF-β has been applied to the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in animal models. In this context, we review the functions of TGF-β in peripheral nerve regeneration and potential clinical applications.

Acoustofluidics-Assisted Multifunctional Paper-Based Analytical Devices

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) feature an economic and sensitive nature, while acoustofluidics displays contactless and versatile virtue, and both of them gained tremendous interest in the past decades. Integrating μPADs with acoustofluidic techniques provides great potential to overcome the inherent shortcomings and make appealing achievements. Here, we present acoustofluidics-assisted multifunctional paper-based analytical devices that leverage bulk acoustic waves to realize multiple applications on paper substrates, including uniform colorimetric detection, microparticle/cell enrichment, fluorescence amplification, homogeneous mixing, and nanomaterial synthesis. The glucose detection in the range of 5-15 mM was conducted to perform uniform colorimetric detection. Various types (brass powder, copper powder, diamond powder, and yeast cells) and sizes (5-200 μm) of solid particles and biological cells can be enriched on paper in a few seconds or minutes; thus, fluorescence amplification by 3 times was realized with the enrichment. The high-throughput and homogeneous mixing of two fluids can be achieved, and based on the mixing, nanomaterials (ZnO nanosheets) were synthesized on paper. We analyzed the underlying mechanisms of these applications in the devices, which are attributed to Faraday waves and Chladni patterns. With their simple fabrication and prominent effectiveness, the devices open up new possibilities for paper-based microfluidic devices.

Prefrontal hemodynamic features of older adults with preserved visuospatial working memory function

Memory decline has been observed in the aging population and is a risk factor for the later development of dementia. Understanding how memory is preserved in older adults has been an important topic. The present study examines the hemodynamic features of older adults whose memory is comparable with that of young adults. In the present study, 45 younger and 45 older adults performed the visual memory task with various difficulty levels (i.e., the items to be remembered), and their cerebral hemodynamics at each level were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The results showed that older adults exhibited higher activation than younger adults under more difficult but not easier levels. In addition, older adults whose performance is comparable with that of young adults (i.e., being able to remember six items) showed more right-lateralized activation. However, those unable to do so showed more left-lateralized activation. The results suggested that high-performing older adults possess successful compensatory mechanisms by recruiting cognitive resources in a specialized brain region.

Coevolution between marine Aeromonas and phages reveals temporal trade-off patterns of phage resistance and host population fitness

Coevolution of bacteria and phages is an important host and parasite dynamic in marine ecosystems, contributing to the understanding of bacterial community diversity. On the time scale, questions remain concerning what is the difference between phage resistance patterns in marine bacteria and how advantageous mutations gradually accumulate during coevolution. In this study, marine Aeromonas was co-cultured with its phage for 180 days and their genetic and phenotypic dynamics were measured every 30 days. We identified 11 phage resistance genes and classified them into three categories: lipopolysaccharide (LPS), outer membrane protein (OMP), and two-component system (TCS). LPS shortening and OMP mutations are two distinct modes of complete phage resistance, while TCS mutants mediate incomplete resistance by repressing the transcription of phage genes. The co-mutation of LPS and OMP was a major mode for bacterial resistance at a low cost. The mutations led to significant reductions in the growth and virulence of bacterial populations during the first 60 days of coevolution, with subsequent leveling off. Our findings reveal the marine bacterial community dynamics and evolutionary trade-offs of phage resistance during coevolution, thus granting further understanding of the interaction of marine microbes.

Role of Long Non-coding RNA in Nerve Regeneration

Nerve injury can be caused by a variety of factors. It often takes a long time to repair a nerve injury and severe nerve injury is even difficult to heal. Therefore, increasing attention has focused on nerve injury and repair. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a newly discovered non-coding RNA with a wide range of biological activities. Numerous studies have shown that a variety of lncRNAs undergo changes in expression after nerve injury, indicating that lncRNAs may be involved in various biological processes of nerve repair and regeneration. Herein, we summarize the biological roles of lncRNAs in neurons, glial cells and other cells during nerve injury and regeneration, which will help lncRNAs to be better applied in nerve injury and regeneration in the future.

Design combinations of evolved phage and antibiotic for antibacterial guided by analyzing the phage resistance of poorly antimicrobial phage

Although antibiotics are the primary method against bacterial infections, the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance has forced interest in alternative antimicrobial strategies. Phage has been considered a new biological antimicrobial agent due to its high effectiveness in treating bacterial infections. However, the applications of phage therapy have been limited by the quick development of phage-resistant bacteria. Therefore, more effective phage treatment strategies need to be explored guided by characterizing phage-resistant mutants. In this study, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida phage vB_PpS_SYP was isolated from the sewage but exhibited weak antibacterial activity caused by phage-resistant bacteria. Phage-resistant mutants were isolated and their whole genomes were analyzed for differences. The results showed that mutations in glycosyltransferase family 1 (GT-1) and hypothetical outer membrane protein (homP) led to bacterial phage resistance. The GT-1 mutants had lower biofilm biomass and higher antibiotic sensitivity than wild-type strain. Phage SYP evolved a broader host range and improved antimicrobial efficacy to infect homP mutants. Therefore, we designed a strategy for combined antibiotic and evolved phage inhibition driven by the two phage-resistant mutants. The results showed that the combination was more effective against bacteria than either antibiotics or phage alone. Our findings presented a novel approach to utilizing poorly antimicrobial phages by characterizing their phage-resistant mutants, with the potential to be expanded to include phage therapy for a variety of pathogens. IMPORTANCE The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance renews interest in phage therapy. However, the lack of efficient phages against bacteria and the emergence of phage resistance impaired the efficiency of phage therapy. In this study, the isolated Pseudomonas plecoglossicida phage exhibited poor antibacterial capacity and was not available for phage therapy. Analysis of phage-resistant mutants guided the design of antibacterial strategies for the combination of antibiotics with evolved phages. The combination has a good antibacterial effect compared to the original phage. Our findings facilitate ideas for the development of antimicrobial-incapable phage, which have the potential to be applied to the phage treatment of other pathogens.

Language-Aware Spatial-Temporal Collaboration for Referring Video Segmentation

Given a natural language referring expression, the goal of referring video segmentation task is to predict the segmentation mask of the referred object in the video. Previous methods only adopt 3D CNNs upon the video clip as a single encoder to extract a mixed spatio-temporal feature for the target frame. Though 3D convolutions are able to recognize which object is performing the described actions, they still introduce misaligned spatial information from adjacent frames, which inevitably confuses features of the target frame and leads to inaccurate segmentation. To tackle this issue, we propose a language-aware spatial-temporal collaboration framework that contains a 3D temporal encoder upon the video clip to recognize the described actions, and a 2D spatial encoder upon the target frame to provide undisturbed spatial features of the referred object. For multimodal features extraction, we propose a Cross-Modal Adaptive Modulation (CMAM) module and its improved version CMAM+ to conduct adaptive cross-modal interaction in the encoders with spatial- or temporal-relevant language features which are also updated progressively to enrich linguistic global context. In addition, we also propose a Language-Aware Semantic Propagation (LASP) module in the decoder to propagate semantic information from deep stages to the shallow stages with language-aware sampling and assignment, which is able to highlight language-compatible foreground visual features and suppress language-incompatible background visual features for better facilitating the spatial-temporal collaboration. Extensive experiments on four popular referring video segmentation benchmarks demonstrate the superiority of our method over the previous state-of-the-art methods.

[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.

A near-infrared photoelectrochemical aptasensing system based on Bi2O2S nanoflowers and gold nanoparticles for high-performance determination of MCF-7 cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are commonly considered as the major cause of tumor metastasis and can eventually lead to death. Therefore, developing a high-performance method for the determination of CTCs is very significant for promoting the cancer survival rate. Photoelectrochemical biosensing systems have been extensively investigated and applied for bioassays. Herein, Bi₂O₂S nanoflowers were successfully prepared through a simple one-step hydrothermal method. After being integrated with gold nanoparticles with a diameter of ∼45 nm, AuNPs/Bi₂O₂S nanocomposites were coated onto an ITO electrode surface to build a photoelectrochemical sensing platform which can be excited with near-infrared light to produce photocurrent response. Subsequently, mercapto-group functionalized aptamer (SH-Apt) was fixed onto the AuNPs/Bi₂O₂S/ITO surface. Due to the overexpress of MUC1 protein in the cell membrane, MCF-7 cells were specifically trapped on the SH-Apt/AuNPs/Bi₂O₂S/ITO surface. The introduce of MCF-7 cells lead to an obvious decrease on the photocurrent response. The photocurrent variation shows a satisfied linear relationship to the logarithm of MCF-7 cells concentration ranged from 50 to 6 × 10⁵ cell mL^-1. The detection limit obtained is 17 cell mL^-1. The PEC biosensor shows excellent sensitivity, selectivity and stability for sensing MCF-7 cells, even for determining MCF-7 cells in clinical serum samples.

Effectiveness of lifestyle medicine on cognitive functions in mild cognitive impairments and dementia: A systematic review on randomized controlled trials

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are associated with lifestyle risk factors, making lifestyle medicine a potentially viable intervention for people with MCI and dementia. The present study aims to examine the effectiveness of lifestyle medicine on cognitive functions among people with MCI and dementia, by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCT). A systematic literature search was conducted to extract RCTs adopting lifestyle interventions of diet, exercise, and stress management or emotional well-being. Results showed that 65 studies were eligible. Exercise was the most promising lifestyle intervention that improved various cognitive functions among people with MCI and dementia, and was more effective in MCI than in dementia. Interventions on stress management or emotional well-being did not show a significant effect on people with MCI, and the evidence for people with dementia was insufficient to conclude. Similarly, due to the lack of RCTs on a healthy dietary pattern, the effectiveness of diet interventions was not examined. In conclusion, the exercise component of lifestyle medicine can be an effective and clinically significant intervention for protecting people with MCI and dementia against cognitive declines, especially when served as an early intervention at the stage of MCI.

[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.

Shelf-life prediction and storage stability of Aeromonas bacteriophage vB_AsM_ZHF

Phage therapy is a potential alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections. Due to the good antibacterial and therapeutic effects of phages, phage therapy has received attention and the demand for clinical applications has gradually increased. Phage storage stability and shelf life are key aspects of biopharmaceutical development and registration. In this study, Aeromonas salmonicida phage was stored at different temperatures for 12 months. We found that 4 °C was the optimal storage temperature. In the case of cryopreservation, 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was more effective at protecting the phage at -20 °C and -80 °C than 30% glycerin. Indeed, the phage titer decreased by only one order of magnitude within one year when DMSO was added. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) reduced the inactivation of phages by six orders of magnitude during storage at 28ºC for 1 year, significantly lower than that of in SM buffer. In addition, for excipients in lyophilization, tryptic soy broth (TSB) and tryptone or skim milk powder (SMP) in combination with trehalose alleviated phage inactivation during lyophilization and subsequent storage at 28 °C. Furthermore, a model for predicting the phage shelf-life was established with the Accelerated Stability Assessment Program (ASAP) based on the Arrhenius equation. The error of the model was less than 15% by comparing the predicted value with the actual value at 28 °C, indicating high accuracy. The study demonstrated the storage stability and shelf-life model of phage for the first time, which provided a theoretical basis for the development and application of phage products.

Can transcranial photobiomodulation improve cognitive function? A systematic review of human studies

BACKGROUND

Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) has been studied for over a decade as a possible cognitive intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of tPBM for enhancing human cognitive function in healthy adults and remediating impaired cognitive function in adults with cognitive disorders.

METHODS

A systematic literature search from three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was conducted from 1987 to May 2022. The cognitive function being evaluated included learning and memory, attention, executive function, language, and global cognitive function.

RESULTS

Of the 35 studies identified, 29 (82.9 %) studies reported positive improvement in cognitive functions after tPBM. All nine studies on participants with subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, showed positive outcomes. Seven (87.5 %) studies on traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients also showed positive results. A series of clinical trials on stroke patients showed positive trends on improved neurological deficit at first, but was prematurely terminated later at phase III due to the lack of statistical significance. One of the most common protocols for clinical populations employed devices delivering near-infrared light (810 nm), the irradiance of 20-25 mW/cm², and fluence of 1-10 J/cm². While this was common, the reviewed protocols also included other wavelengths of light ranging from visible, red (630-635 nm) to invisible near-infrared maximum wavelengths of 1060-1068 nm.

CONCLUSIONS

tPBM seems to improve cognitive function. However, only half of the reviewed clinical trials were randomized control trials, further investigation is warranted.

Temporal processing deficit in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: An online assessment

Objective

The sensory deficit has been considered as one of the core features in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study aimed to examine the temporal processing of simple and more complex auditory inputs in ASD children and adolescents with an online assessment that can be conducted remotely.

Methods

One hundred fifty-eight children and adolescents aged 5-17 years participated in this study, including 79 ASD participants and 79 typically developing (TD) participants. The online assessment consisted of two temporal-order judgment tasks that required repeating the sequence of two pure tones or consonant-vowel (CV) syllabic pairs at varying interstimulus intervals (ISIs).

Results

Significantly lower accuracy rates were found in ASD than TD participants in the pure tone and the CV conditions with both short and long ISI. In addition, ASD participants (M  =  245.97 ms) showed a significantly higher passing threshold than TD participants (M  =  178.84 ms) in the CV task. Receiver operating characteristic analysis found that the age × ISI passing threshold composite yielded a sensitivity of 74.7% and a specificity of 50.6% at the cutoff point of -0.307 in differentiating ASD participants from TD participants.

Conclusion

In sum, children and adolescents with ASD showed impaired temporal processing of both simple and more complex auditory stimuli, and the online assessment seems to be sensitive in differentiating individuals with ASD from those with TD.

[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.

Identification of m6A- and ferroptosis-related lncRNA signature for predicting immune efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and ferroptosis assist long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in promoting immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the predictive value of m6A- and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (mfrlncRNAs) in terms of immune efficacy remains unknown.

Method

A total of 365 HCC patients with complete data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used as the training cohort, and half of them were randomly selected as the validation cohort. A total of 161 HCC patients from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database were used as external validation (ICGC cohort).

Results

We first identified a group of specific lncRNAs associated with both m6A regulators and ferroptosis-related genes and then constructed prognosis-related mfrlncRNA pairs. Based on this, the mfrlncRNA signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and Cox regression. Notably, the risk score of patients was proven to be an independent prognostic factor and was better than the TNM stage and tumor grade. Moreover, patients with high-risk scores had lower survival rates, higher infiltration of immunosuppressive cells (macrophages and Tregs), lower infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells (natural killer cells), poorer immune efficacy (both immunophenoscore and score of tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion), higher IC₅₀, and enrichment of the induced Treg pathway, which confirmed that the mfrlncRNA signature contributed to survival prediction and risk stratification of patients with HCC.

Conclusions

The mfrlncRNA signature, which has great prognostic value, provides new clues for identifying “cold” and “hot” tumors and might have crucial implications for individualized therapy to improve the survival rate of patients with HCC.

Digital Cognitive Biomarker for Mild Cognitive Impairments and Dementia: A Systematic Review

The dementia population is increasing as the world’s population is growing older. The current systematic review aims to identify digital cognitive biomarkers from computerized tests for detecting dementia and its risk state of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of digital cognitive biomarkers. A literature search was performed in three databases, and supplemented by a Google search for names of previously identified computerized tests. Computerized tests were categorized into five types, including memory tests, test batteries, other single/multiple cognitive tests, handwriting/drawing tests, and daily living tasks and serious games. Results showed that 78 studies were eligible. Around 90% of the included studies were rated as high quality based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Most of the digital cognitive biomarkers achieved comparable or even better diagnostic performance than traditional paper-and-pencil tests. Moderate to large group differences were consistently observed in cognitive outcomes related to memory and executive functions, as well as some novel outcomes measured by handwriting/drawing tests, daily living tasks, and serious games. These outcomes have the potential to be sensitive digital cognitive biomarkers for MCI and dementia. Therefore, digital cognitive biomarkers can be a sensitive and promising clinical tool for detecting MCI and dementia.

Temporal processing deficit in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: An online assessment

Objective

Temporal processing deficits were found among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aims to develop an online temporal processing assessment that can be conducted remotely, and the sensitivity of the test was assessed on a group of children with ADHD.

Methods

A total of 188 children were recruited, including 94 typically developing (TD) children, and 94 children with ADHD. The online assessment consists of two temporal-order judgment (TOJ) tasks. One task used tone pairs presented with two interstimulus intervals (ISIs) (305ms and 40ms). Another task used pairs of consonant-vowel (CV) syllables with 20 varying ISI levels. Participants were asked to determine the sequence of the sound pairs.

Results

The results showed that ADHD children were less accurate (ISI 305ms: M = 83.90%; ISI 40ms: M = 66.28%) than TD children (ISI 305ms: M = 89.36%; ISI 40ms: M = 77.16%) in the tone task. Similarly, ADHD children showed a higher ISI passing threshold (M = 283.64ms) than TD children (M = 199.76ms) and higher accuracy in the CV task. Hierarchical binary logistic regression suggested a model to predict ADHD children using accuracy in ISI 40ms in the tone task and ISI passing threshold in the CV task. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded a sensitivity of 75.58% and a specificity of 51.11%.

Conclusion

ADHD children showed temporal processing deficits of both tones and CVs. The online assessment may be a valid tool for differentiating ADHD children from TD children.

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.

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.