Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) as a grouping imaging biomarker combined with a decision-tree mode to preoperatively predict the pathological grade of bladder cancer

AIM

To investigate whether the Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) could be used to develop a new non-invasive preoperative grade-prediction system to partially predict high-grade bladder cancer (HG-BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study enrolled 89 primary BC patients prospectively from March 2022 to June 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in the entire group. In the low VI-RADS (≤2) group, the decision tree-based method was used to obtain significant predictors and construct the decision-tree model (DT model). The performance of the DT model and low VI-RADS scores for predicting HG-BC was determined using ROC, calibration, and decision curve analyses.

RESULTS

At a cut-off of ≥3, the specificity and positive predictive value of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC in the entire group was 100%, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.697. Among 65 patients with low VI-RADS scores, the DT model showed an AUC of 0.884 in predicting HG-BC compared to 0.506 for low VI-RADS scores. Calibration and decision curve analyses showed that the DT model performed better than the low VI-RADS scores.

CONCLUSION

Most VI-RADS scores ≥3 correspond to HG-BCs. VI-RADS could be used as a grouping imaging biomarker for a pathological grade-prediction procedure, which in combination with the DT model for low VI-RADS (≤2) populations, would provide a potential preoperative non-invasive method of predicting HG-BC.

[Migratory pulmonary ground glass opacities caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient on B-cell depletion therapy]

In immunosuppressed individuals, the manifestation of viral pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection differs from that in healthy individuals. We reported a unique case of a 58-year-old male patient with B-cell depletion following treatment with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. He presented to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine with complaints of intermittent fever and cough for three months, aggravated by shortness of breath for one month. He was previously diagnosed with stage IVA follicular lymphoma in April 2022 and underwent chemotherapy with Obinutuzumab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody). His last treatment was on November 3, 2022. On December 20, 2022, after contact with a SARS-CoV-2-infected person, he exhibited symptoms of fever peaking at 39.0 ℃, cough, and sputum production. A positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid result was confirmed from a pharyngeal swab. Nine days later (December 29, 2022), the patient still had a fever. Chest CT showed multiple small pieces of ground glass opacities (GGOs) in both lower lungs. The diagnosis of viral pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed. After five days of treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) and intravenous dexamethasone (5 mg/d), his fever subsided. However, a subsequent chest CT on January 9, 2023 showed partial resorption of multiple GGOs in both lungs, accompanied by novel focal lesions. The patient developed a fever again on January 29, 2023, after which he had recurrent symptoms of fever, cough, and sputum, with intermittent short courses of antibiotics and dexamethasone, which never completely resolved. Multiple chest CTs during this period showed recurrent GGOs and consolidations in both lungs, demonstrating a migratory pattern. The patient was admitted to our hospital on March 7, 2023, with a peripheral blood test suggesting lymphocytopenia, a CD19+B lymphocyte count of zero, and negative IgG and IgM for SARS-CoV-2. A bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis indicated a significantly elevated lymphocyte percentage and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. Given the three-month history of chronic fever and respiratory symptoms, changing bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and lack of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity, a diagnosis of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection was considered. Subsequent treatment with Paxlovid for 15 days resulted in the resolution of all symptoms. A follow-up chest CT one month later showed almost complete normalization.

[Preliminary evaluation of immunogenicity and protective effect of multicomponent recombinant protein vaccine EPRHP014 against tuberculosis]

Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective effect of a multicomponent recombinant protein vaccine EPRHP014 constructed independently and provide a scientific basis for developing new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and effective prevention and control of TB. Methods: Three full-length Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis protein antigens (EsxH, Rv2628, and HspX) and two epitope-predicted and optimized epitope-dominant protein antigens (nPPE18 and nPstS1) were selected, from which five protein antigens were used to construct a protein antigen composition EPRHP014, including a fusion expression multi-component protein antigen (EPRHP014f) and a multi-component mixed protein antigen (EPRHP014m) formed with the five single protein using clone, purification, and purification respectively. Multicomponent protein vaccines EPRHP014f and EPRHP014m were prepared with aluminum adjuvant, and the BCG vaccine was used as a control. ELISA detected the titer of serum-specific antibodies, the secretion of various cytokines was detected by ELISpot and Luminex, and immune protection was observed by the M. tuberculosis growth inhibition test in vitro. The results were statistically analyzed by t-test or rank sum test, and P<0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results: Mice Immunized with EPRHP014m and EPRHP014f could produce highly effective IgG antibodies and their subtypes IgG1 and IgG2a, and the antibody titers were similar to those of mice immunized with BCG, with no statistical significance (P>0.05). The number of spot-forming cells (SFC) secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by EPRHP014f group was significantly higher than those by EPRHP014m group and BCG group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the number of SFC for IFN-γ and IL-4 induced between EPRHP014m group and BCG group (P>0.05). The secretion levels of GM-CSF and IL-12p70 induced by the EPRHP014m group were higher than those of the BCG group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the levels of IL-6 and IL-10 induced between EPRHP014m group and BCG group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the secretions of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and GM-CSF between the EPRHP014f and BCG groups (P>0.05). EPRHP014m group, EPRHP014f group, and BCG group had obvious antibacterial effects in vitro, and the difference was insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both EPRHP014f and EPRHP014m can induce strong humoral and cellular immune responses in mice after immunization, and have a strong ability to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis in vitro, indicating that the antigen composition EPRHP014 has good potential in the development and application of TB vaccine.

International Validation of a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Risk Assessment Tool for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

INTRODUCTION

To promote judicious prescribing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-active therapy for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), we previously developed an MRSA risk assessment tool. The objective of this study was to validate this risk assessment tool internationally.

METHODS

A multicenter, prospective cohort study of adults with purulent SSTI was performed at seven international sites from July 2016 to March 2018. Patient MRSA risk scores were computed as follows: MRSA infection/colonization history (2 points); previous hospitalization, previous antibiotics, chronic kidney disease, intravenous drug use, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), diabetes with obesity (1 point each). Predictive performance of MRSA surveillance percentage, MRSA risk score, and estimated MRSA probability (surveillance percentage adjusted by risk score) were quantified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (aROC) and compared. Performance characteristics of different risk score thresholds across varying baseline MRSA prevalence were examined.

RESULTS

Two hundred three patients were included. Common SSTI were wounds (28.6%), abscess (25.1%), and cellulitis with abscess (20.7%). Patients with higher risk scores were more likely to have MRSA (P < 0.001). The MRSA risk score aROC (95%CI) [0.748 (0.678-0.819)] was significantly greater than MRSA surveillance percentage [0.646 (0.569-0.722)] (P = 0.016). Estimated MRSA probability aROC [0.781 (0.716-0.845)] was significantly greater than surveillance percentage (P < 0.001) but not the risk score (P = 0.192). The estimated negative predictive value (NPV) of an MRSA score ≥ 1 (i.e., a score of 0) was greater than 90% when MRSA prevalence was 30% or less.

CONCLUSION

The MRSA risk score and estimated MRSA probability were significantly more predictive of MRSA compared with surveillance percentage. An MRSA risk score of zero had high predictive value and could help avoid unnecessary empiric MRSA coverage in low-acuity patients. Further study, including impact of such risk assessment tools on prescribing patterns and outcomes are required before implementation.

Association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and H-type hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T has been linked to H-type hypertension. But the conclusion remained controversial. To elucidate this issue, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to analyze the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and H-type hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The English and Chinese databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies until November 2020. RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software were used for meta-analysis. The odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the relationship between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and H-type hypertension.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies involving 1769 cases and 1443 controls were included. The meta-analysis results showed the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and H-type hypertension with the homozygous codominant model (OR = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.94-5.60), heterozygous codominant model (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.53-3.58), dominant model (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.33-2.41), recessive model (OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.73-4.21),and the allelic model (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.41-2.35). All p-values were less than 0.05. Therefore, MTHFR C677T polymorphism has a positive correlation with the risk of H-type hypertension. Among them, TT mutation has the greatest impact on the activity of this enzyme, which causes Hcy to rise and leads to H-type hypertension.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our results provide sufficient data to support the hypothesis that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism is related to H-type hypertension susceptibility.

[A nomogram for predicting lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer]

Objective: To explore the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric cancer, and to use nomogram to construct a prediction model for above LNM. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) primary early gastric cancer as stage pT1 confirmed by postoperative pathology; (2) complete clinicopathological data. Exclusion criteria: (1) patients with advanced gastric cancer, stump gastric cancer or history of gastrectomy; (2) early gastric cancer patients confirmed by pathology after neoadjuvant chemotherapy; (3) other types of gastric tumors, such as lymphoma, neuroendocrine tumor, stromal tumor, etc.; (4) primary tumors of other organs with gastric metastasis. According to the above criteria, 1633 patients with early gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy at the Department of General Surgery of the Chinese PLA General Hospital First Medical Center from December 2005 to December 2020 were enrolled as training set, meanwhile 239 patients with early gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy at the Department of General Surgery of the Chinese PLA General Hospital Fourth Medical Center from December 2015 to December 2020 were enrolled as external validation set. Risk factors of LNM in early gastric cancer were identified by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram prediction model was established with significant factors screened by multivariate analysis. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used for assessing the predictive value of the model. Calibration curve was drawn for external validation. Results: Among 1633 patients in training set, the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 20 (13-28), and 209 patients (12.8%) had lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that gender, resection range, tumor location, tumor morphology, lymph node clearance, vascular invasion, lymphatic cancer thrombus, tumor length, tumor differentiation, microscopic presence of signet ring cells and depth of tumor invasion were associated with LNM (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that females, tumor morphology as ulcer type, vascular invasion, lymphatic cancer thrombus, tumor length≥3 cm, deeper invasion of mucosa, and poor differentiation were independent risk factors for LNM in early gastric cancers (all P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that AUC of training set was 0.818 (95%CI: 0.790-0.847) and AUC of external validation set was 0.765 (95%CI: 0.688-0.843). The calibration curve showed that the LNM probability predicted by nomogram was consistent with the actual situation (C-index: 0.818 in training set and 0.765 in external validation set). Conclusions: Females, tumor morphology as ulcer type, vascular invasion, lymphatic cancer thrombus, tumor length≥3 cm, deeper invasion of mucosa and poor differentiation are independent risk factors for LNM of early gastric cancer. The establishment of a nomogram prediction model for LNM in early gastric cancer has great diagnostic value and can provide reference for treatment selection.

[Advances in pathogen diagnosis of respiratory infection diseases in 2021]

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are a common and highly prevalent disease in the population, which can develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe cases.A large variety of microorganisms can cause RTI, including bacteria, respiratory viruses, and fungi. The timely and accurate detection of these pathogens is the prerequisites of effective treatment of RTI. However, more than 50% of RTI patients failed to diagnosis of causative agents due to unavailability of qualified samples, antimicrobial treatment prior to sample collection, high variety of respiratory pathogens, and influence of the normal flora in respiratory tract. In recent years, progress on molecular diagnosis, especially the novel approaches such as clinical metagenomics and CRSIPR (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), has not only improved our capacity for RTI pathogen detection but also brought new challenges. In this review, we summed up the advances in RTI pathogen diagnosis in 2021 and discussed the clinical benefits and challenges from novel approaches, which provided a clinical perspective on the development and application of these diagnostic tools in the real world.

[Analysis of influence factors for short-term recurrence of retroperitoneal liposarcoma after complete resection]

Objective: To examine the influence factors of short-term recurrence after complete surgical resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Methods: The clinicopathological data of retroperitoneal liposarcoma at Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center, People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 1, 2000 to January 31, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 60 males and 31 females, aged (52.1±9.9) years (range: 30 to 84 years). Tumor recurrence within 12 months after complete resection was defined as short-term recurrence, and tumor recurrence more than 12 months was defined as non-short-term recurrence. The t test, rank-sum test, χ² test and Fisher exact test were conducted for inter-group comparison. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent influence factors for the short-term recurrence of retroperitoneal liposarcoma after complete resection. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to calculate the recurrence-free survival, and the Log-rank test was adopted for the comparison between the groups. Results: The univariate analysis results showed that irregular tumor morphology, multiple pathological subtypes, pathological scores>3, and multiple primary tumors are influence factors for short-term recurrence after complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (χ²: 4.422 to 7.773, all P<0.05). Regression analysis of the above risk factors showed that multiple primary tumors was the independent risk factor (OR=2.918, 95%CI: 1.127 to 7.556, P=0.027). In the short-term recurrence group, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that patients with multiple primary tumors had a shorter median recurrence time than patients with unifocal tumor (6 months vs. 9 months, P=0.028). Conclusions: Multiple primary tumor is an independent risk factor for short-term recurrence after complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma. It suggests that the frequency of follow-up after surgery should be increased for such patients.

A functional genomics screen identifying blood cell development genes in Drosophila by undergraduates participating in a course-based research experience

Undergraduate students participating in the UCLA Undergraduate Research Consortium for Functional Genomics (URCFG) have conducted a two-phased screen using RNA interference (RNAi) in combination with fluorescent reporter proteins to identify genes important for hematopoiesis in Drosophila. This screen disrupted the function of approximately 3500 genes and identified 137 candidate genes for which loss of function leads to observable changes in the hematopoietic development. Targeting RNAi to maturing, progenitor, and regulatory cell types identified key subsets that either limit or promote blood cell maturation. Bioinformatic analysis reveals gene enrichment in several previously uncharacterized areas, including RNA processing and export and vesicular trafficking. Lastly, the participation of students in this course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) correlated with increased learning gains across several areas, as well as increased STEM retention, indicating that authentic, student-driven research in the form of a CURE represents an impactful and enriching pedagogical approach.

[Risk factors and clinical prognosis analysis of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales bacteria nosocomial infection]

Objective: To explore the risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infection and death. Methods: A case-control analysis of 482 inpatients in 18 secondary or tertiary hospitals in Beijing in 2018 was conducted. Patients infected by CRE were selected as the case group (n=247), and infected by carbapenem susceptible Enterobacterales (CSE) as the control group (n=235). The risk factors and clinical prognosis of CRE infection were analyzed by single factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: CRE were resistant to most antimicrobials, but were highly sensitive to colistin and tigecycline, with sensitivity of 94.0% and 99.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that prior 30-day tracheal intubation (OR=2.607, 95%CI: 1.655-4.108, P<0.001), empirical treatment using third or fourth generation cephalosporins (OR=2.339, 95%CI: 1.438-3.803, P=0.001), carbapenems (OR=2.468, 95%CI: 1.610-3.782, P<0.001) and quinolones (OR=2.042, 95%CI: 1.268-3.289, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for CRE infection. Mechanical ventilation (OR=3.390, 95%CI: 1.454-7.904, P=0.005), heart failure (OR=4.679, 95%CI: 1.975-11.083, P<0.001), moderate or severe liver disease (OR=3.057, 95%CI: 1.061-8.806, P=0.038), prior 30-day quinolones exposure (OR=2.882, 95%CI: 1.241-6.691, P=0.014) and septic shock (OR=7.772, 95%CI: 3.505-17.233, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for death after CRE infection. Conclusions: Reducing the use of antimicrobials and invasive procedures such as prior 30-day tracheal intubation may reduce the probability of CRE infection. Grading the severity of the underlying disease in patients with CRE infection, as well as predicting and preventing the occurrence of septic shock will help reduce the risk of death.

[Risk factors of postoperative complication after total gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy]

Objective: At present, there are few studies focusing on the factors short-term complications after total gastrectomy in patients with advanced gastric cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The purpose of this study is to provide a reference for clinical prevention of complications in these patients. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Case inclusion criteria: (1) clinical stage II-III gastric cancer diagnosed by preoperative gastroscopy, pathology, abdominal CT, EUS or PET-CT; (2) evaluated suitable for NACT by MDT discussion; (3) no previous history of other malignant tumors and no concurrent tumor; (4) undergoing total gastrectomy+ D2 lymphadenectomy after NACT. Exclusion criteria: (1) age <18 or >80 years old; (2) severe concurrent diseases, and ASA classification>grade III; (3) stump gastric cancer or history of gastric surgery; (4) incomplete clinicopathological data. According to the above criteria, clinicopathological data of 140 advanced gastric cancer patients who underwent total gastrectomy after NACT in Chinese PLA General Hospital between June 2012 and June 2019 were collected, including 109 males and 31 females with mean age of (56.9±11.4) years and body mass indey (BMI) of (23.3±3.1) kg/m(2). Logistic analysis was used to analyze the relationship between postoperative complication and clinicopathological data. Factors in univariate analysis with P<0.05 were included in the multivariate analysis. Results: Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ II) occurred in 35 cases (25.0%) and severe complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ IIIa) occurred in 4 cases (2.9%), including 1 case of esophago-jejunal anastomotic leakage, 1 case of vena cava thrombosis, 1 case of pleural effusion, 1 case of septic shock during perioperative days resulting in death. Univariate analysis showed that BMI (P=0.011), cycle of NACT (P=0.027), tumor diameter (P=0.021), and vascular invasion (P=0.033) were associated with postoperative complication within 30 days, while open/laparoscopic total gastrectomy were not associated with postoperative complication (P=0.926). Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) (OR=3.294, 95% CI: 1.343-8.079, P=0.009) and < 4 cycles of NACT (OR=2.922, 95% CI: 1.217-7.016, P=0.016) were independent risk factors for postoperative complication. The 3-year overall survival rates of patients with or without complication were 54.4% and 64.0%, respectively (P=0.395), and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 47.4% and 52.9%, respectively (P=0.587). Conclusions: Higher BMI and fewer cycles of NACT are independent risk factors of postoperative complication in advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing total gastrectomy after NACT. No obvious association is found between postoperative complication and surgical approaches.

Alterations in leaf photosynthetic electron transport in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) under different light intensity and soil water conditions

Welsh onions (Allium fistulosum L.) are often affected by stressful environments, such as high light and drought, during summer cultivation, which hinders their growth. We used CO₂ assimilation, OJIP transient and MR curves to analyse the photosynthetic characteristics of Welsh onion. The results showed that single high light stress caused a decrease in the net photosynthesis rate through stomatal limitation, while the single drought treatment and the combined stress induced nonstomatal limitation. F_O and F_J increased, F_m decreased, and a distinct K-phase was induced. High light and drought stress blocked MR transients, leading to a gradual decrease in V_PSI and V_PSII-PSI . In general, photosynthesis of Welsh onion was inhibited by high light and drought, which destroyed the receptor and donor side of PSII and reduced electron transport capacity of PSII and PSI.

[Potential antiviral therapeutics for 2019 Novel Coronavirus]

The recent outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, China is caused by a novel coronavirus, named 2019-nCoV, which is genetically close to a bat-derived coronavirus. 2019-nCoV is categorized as beta genus coronavirus, same as the two other strains-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Antiviral drugs commonly used in clinical practice, including neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, paramivir, zanamivir, etc.), ganciclovir, acyclovir and ribavirin, are invalid for 2019-nCoV and not recommended. Drugs are possibly effective for 2019-nCoV include: remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir combined with interferon-β, convalescent plasma, and monoclonal antibodies. But the efficacy and safety of these drugs for 2019-nCoV pneumonia patients need to be assessed by further clinical trials.

[Potential antiviral therapeutics for 2019 Novel Coronavirus]

The recent outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, China is caused by a novel coronavirus, named 2019-nCoV, which is genetically close to a bat-derived coronavirus. 2019-nCoV is categorized as beta genus coronavirus, same as the two other strains - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Antiviral drugs commonly used in clinical practice, including neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, paramivir, zanamivir, etc.), ganciclovir, acyclovir and ribavirin, are invalid for 2019-nCoV and not recommended. Drugs are possibly effective for 2019-nCoV include: remdesivir, lopinavir / ritonavir, lopinavir / ritonavir combined with interferon-β, convalescent plasma, and monoclonal antibodies. But the efficacy and safety of these drugs for 2019-nCoV pneumonia patients need to be assessed by further clinical trials.

Effects of miR-223 on colorectal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis through regulating FoxO3a/BIM

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. It frequently occurs at the junction of the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) plays a role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, and involves in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. The transcription factor forkhead, transcription factor O subfamily 3a (FoxO3a) plays a role in the regulation of BIM expression and is associated to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that there is a targeted relationship between FoxO3a and microRNA-223 (miR-223). This study aims to investigate effects of miR-223 on the regulation of FoxO3a/BIM signaling pathway and colorectal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Colorectal cancer cell line SW620 and normal colorectal epithelial cell line NCM460 were cultured in vitro. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the relationship between miR-223 and FoxO3a. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect apoptosis. EdU staining was applied to test cell proliferation. Western blot was selected to determine FoxO3a and BIM protein expressions.

RESULTS

There was targeted regulatory relationship between miR-223 and FoxO3a. MiRa-223 up-regulated, FoxO3a and BIM expressions reduced, and cell proliferation was enhanced in SW620 cells compared with NCM460 cells. MiR-223 inhibitor or pIRES2-FoxO3a transfection significantly increased FoxO3a and BIM expressions, attenuated cell proliferation, and enhanced cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-223 targeted inhibited expression of FoxO3. Down-regulating the expression of miR-223, it increased the expressions of FoxO3a and BIM, weakened SW620 cells proliferation and induced apoptosis.

Phylogenetic placement of Paratrichaptum and reconsideration of Gloeophyllales

Paratrichaptum accuratum is a large conspicuous polypore fungus growing on dead or living angiosperm trees in subtropical-boreal areas of China, Indonesia, Japan, and Taiwan. The present study places P. accuratum in the family Gloeophyllaceae that belongs to the order Gloeophyllales within Agaricomycetes (Basidiomycota), based on evidence derived from morphological and ecological characteristics, and phylogenetic analyses of sequences of nuclear rDNA regions (5.8S, nuc 18S, nuc 28S) and protein-coding genes (rpb1, rpb2, and tef1). The analyses presented in this study also give strong support for including Jaapia in Gloeophyllaceae and Gloeophyllales. Thus, the names Jaapiaceae and Jaapiales are considered here as synonyms of Gloeophyllaceae and Gloeophyllales. Since Paratrichaptum represents the earliest diverging lineage in Gloeophyllales, pileate basidiocarps and brown rot appear to be ancestral states of Gloeophyllales. Paratrichaptum accuratum may represent a relic species, according to its phylogenetic position, peculiar distribution pattern and rare occurrence.

Evaluation of a molecular point-of-care testing for viral and atypical pathogens on intravenous antibiotic duration in hospitalized adults with lower respiratory tract infection: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives

The primary objective was to evaluate whether a molecular point-of-care test (POCT) for viral and atypical pathogens added to routine real-time PCR could reduce duration of intravenous antibiotics in hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) compared with routine real-time PCR.

Methods

In this single-centre, open-label, randomized controlled study, we enrolled hospitalized adults diagnosed with LRTI. Patients were randomized to an intervention group (POCT FilmArray Panel for 20 viruses, atypical pathogens and bacteria plus routine real-time PCR) or a control group (routine real-time PCR for ten pathogens). The primary outcome was duration of intravenous antibiotics during hospitalization. The secondary outcomes included length of stay, cost of hospitalization and de-escalation within 72 hours and between 72 hours and 7 days. Intention-to-treat analysis was used.

Results

Between October 2017 and July 2018, we enrolled 800 eligible patients (398 in the intervention group and 402 in the control group). Duration of intravenous antibiotics in the intervention group was shorter than in the control (7.0 days (interquartile range (IQR) 5.0–9.0) versus 8.0 days (IQR 6.0–11.0); p <0.001). Length of hospital stay in the intervention group was significantly shorter (8.0 days (IQR 7.0–11.0) versus 9.0 days (IQR 7.0–12.0; p <0.001) and the cost of hospitalization in the intervention group was significantly lower ($1804.7 (IQR 1298.4–2633.8) versus $2042.5 (IQR 1427.4–2926.2); p 0.002) than control group. More patients in the intervention group achieved de-escalation within 72 hours (7.9%, 29/367 versus 3.2%, 12/377; p 0.005) and between 72 hours and 7 days (29.7%, 109/367 versus 22.0%, 83/377; p 0.024).

Conclusions

Use of molecular POCT testing for respiratory viruses and atypical pathogens might help to reduce intravenous antibiotic use in hospitalized LRTI patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03391076.

[Predictive effect of neonatal morbidities on the poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in very low birth weight premature infants]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic effect of neonatal morbidities on poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants . Method: From November 2013 to October 2014, a multi-center retrospective study was conducted in 8 tertiary Maternal and Children's hospitals in Guangdong, Hunan and Fujian. The premature infants survived to a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 36 weeks with birth weight less than 1 500 g and without congenital diseases were included, and divided into two groups according to poor outcomes. The birth weight, gestational age, morbidities and poor outcomes (death, cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, et al) were recorded. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test to investigate the relationship between morbidities and poor outcomes. And the predictive effect of the top three morbidities were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. Result: Total of 834 VLBW premature infants (473 boys and 361 girls) finished the follow-up, whose average gestational age and birth weight were (30.6±1.8) weeks and (1 189±159)g. The incidences of BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis were 207 (24.8%), 119 (14.3%), 58 (7.0%), 281 (33.7%) and 124 (14.9%), respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in the incidences of BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis(χ(2)=42.10, 47.20, 4.81, 44.28, 18.63, all P<0.01), which had significant correlation with poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age. The three top morbidities were severe ROP, BPD and brain injury(OR=3.82, 2.90, 2.80). Combined morbidities with BPD, severe ROP and brain injury correlated with higher risk of poor outcomes (one morbidity, OR=3.14, β=1.15; two morbidities, OR=7.31, β=1.99; three morbidities, OR=22.41, β=3.11; all P<0.01). Conclusion: BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis were the risk factors of poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in VLBW infants. And the more combined morbidities with severe ROP, BPD and brain injury, the higher risk of poor outcomes in this population. Trial registration Clinical Trails, NCT03104946.

Design of a high-Q fiber cavity for omnidirectionally emitting laser with one-dimensional topological photonic crystal heterostructure

Designing a cavity with a high quality factor for omnidirectionally emitting laser (OEL) can extend its potential applications in optical communication and biomedical detection. We demonstrate a method including five steps to design a high-Q cavity for OEL using a one-dimensional topological photonic crystal heterostructure. A Si/SiO₂ fiber cavity for OEL with solid gain medium Er-doped SiO₂ is designed following our design steps. The designed fiber can axially transmit the pump energy at low confine loss and act as a cavity for the radial emission of the exited beam, simultaneously. The quality factor of this fiber cavity is on the order of magnitude of 10⁸. Moreover, a method of further improving the Q-factor is proposed. The results in this paper are not restricted to the solid gain medium, and they also can be applied to designing a cavity for optofluidic OEL or quantum dot OEL. Our study may provide not only the reference for OEL manufacture, but also a route for improving the performance of OEL.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of long-term glucocorticoid users with community-acquired pneumonia]

Objective: To explore the clinical features, etiological features and prognostic risk factors of long-term glucocorticoid users with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: A retrospective study included 100 long-term glucocorticoid users with CAP (G-CAP group) from 11 hospitals of China between January 2014 and December 2014, while 100 non-immunocompromised patients with community-acquired pneumonia were enrolled as controls (nICH-CAP group). Characteristics including age, gender, underlying diseases, corticosteroids, symptoms, disease severity, imaging manifestations, etiology, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, whether the application of vasoactive drugs, antibiotics application, hospital mortality rate between the two groups were compared, and the prognostic factors of G-CAP were investigated using Logistic regression. Results: The peripheral blood lymphocytes[1.06(0.70, 1.68) vs 1.44 (0.87, 1.98)]in G-CAP group was less than nICH-CAP group (P<0.05). CT with pulmonary interstitial change (28.6% vs 9.9%), the proportion of patients with respiratory failure (25.0% vs 7.0%), mechanical ventilation (9.0% vs 2.0%), noninvasive mechanical ventilation (12.0% vs 2.0%), septic shock (9.0% vs 2.0%), and the hospital mortality rate (13.0% vs 3.0%) in G-CAP group were significantly higher than in nICH-CAP group (all P<0.05). Bacterial infection accounted for the highest proportion of infection (61.3%) in G-CAP group, but also virus infection (19.4%) and mixed infection (16.1%). Pseudomonas accounted for the highest proportion (47.4%) in bacterial infection of G-CAP. Logistic regression analysis showed that peripheral blood lymphocytes (OR=0.004, 95% CI: 0.000-0.234; P<0.05) and respiratory failure (OR=17.766, 95% CI: 4.933-131.0; P<0.05) were independent predictors of death in G-CAP group. Conclusions: The proportion of severe pneumonia and the mortality rate of patients with G-CAP are higher than the patients with nICH-CAP. Lymphopenia and respiratory failure are associated with poor outcome of patients with G-CAP.

[Perspectives of antiviral drugs used on influenza]

Antiviral drugs on influenza are important in the control program of influenza. Options for influenza treatment are currently limited to using the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). Given limited effectiveness of NAIs and related resistance, there remains an urgent need for the development of influenza antiviral drugs that can improve the efficacy and provide low propensity of viral resistance. Several influenza-related antiviral drugs that are currently under the late-stage clinical trials all appear differently in the mechanism of action. It is hoped that when new antiviral drugs are licensed, care and outcomes of severe influenza cases will be improved.

[Expression of IRX1 in cervical cancer and its correlation with clinical stage of cervical cancer]

Objective: To study the expression of IRX1 (Iroquois homeobox gene) in cervical cancer and its correlation with clinical stage of cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 61 patients with cervical cancer from January 2015 to January 2017 were enrolled in this study, of which 15 were classified as phase Ⅰ of cervical cancer, 22 patients were classified as phase Ⅱ, 19 cases were classified as phase Ⅲ, 5 cases were classified as phase Ⅳ followed FIGO staging criteria.The expression of IRX1 protein in Hela, C4-1 and Siha cell lines were detected by Western blot compared with the normal human cervical epithelial cells HCerEpiC.Collected cancerous tissue of cervical cancer as experimental samples, the expression of IRX1 mRNA in cancer tissues and paracancerous tissue were detected by qPCR.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of IRX1 in different stages of cervical cancer, the correlation between IRX1 expression and clinical stage was analyzed. Results: The results of Western blot showed that IRX1 expression in cervical cancer cells were higher than that in normal cervical epithelial cells, and the results of qPCR also showed that the expression of IRX1 increased with the stage of cancer at the gene level.The difference was statistically significant.The expression of IRX1 in the nucleus and cytoplasm were detected by immunohistochemistry.Immunohistochemical results showed that the higher the stage of cancer was, the higher the expression rate of IRX1 was. Conclusion: IRX1 expression is associated with the clinical stage of cervical cancer, suggesting that IRX1 may be involved in the development and progression of cervical cancer.IRX1 is expected to be a new molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. This study will provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Serum cystatin C and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis

BACKGROUND

Cystatin C (CysC) is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders and autoimmune diseases, but its relationship with anti-N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is unknown.

METHODS

Serum levels of CysC were determined in 66 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and 115 healthy controls. Of the 66 patients, 30 had a follow-up evaluation at 3 months after admission. Association of CysC with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and its clinical parameters were evaluated in the patients.

RESULTS

The serum levels of CysC were significantly lower in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis than in controls (0.70 ± 0.13 vs 0.83 ± 0.17 mg/mL, P < .001). Disease severity and disease duration were significantly associated with CysC levels. Furthermore, a follow-up evaluation revealed that after treatment anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients had significantly increased serum CysC levels (P < .001) and significantly decreased modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (P < .001) compared with before treatment. In addition, a significant negative correlation was observed between the change in CysC levels and the change in mRS scores (r = -.700, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the serum levels of CysC are associated with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and its clinical parameters and that the changes in CysC levels correlate with therapeutic effect. Therefore, our findings provide new insights into the association between serum CysC and anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Effective macrophage delivery using RAFT copolymer derived nanoparticles

We use reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation to prepare block copolymers that are subsequently assembled into nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were extensively taken up by primary murine macrophages and are effective in the delivery of a cell impenetrable cargo.

Depression and anxiety in multiple system atrophy

BACKGROUND

It has been noticed that the patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) can accompany with depression and anxiety. This study aimed to establish the incidence and determinants of depression and anxiety symptoms in Chinese MSA patients.

METHODS

A total of 237 MSA patients were enrolled in the study. Neuropsychological assessment was performed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 items and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.

RESULTS

We found that 62.0% and 71.7% patients had at least mild depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The severity of depression of MSA patients was associated with lower educational years (P=.024), longer disease duration (P<.001), and disease severity (P<.001). The severity of anxiety was associated with increased disease duration (P<.001), disease severity (P=.013), and orthostatic hypotension (P=.005). Binary logistic regression showed the determinants of depression and anxiety were female gender, longer disease duration, and disease severity.

CONCLUSION

Depression and anxiety symptoms are common in patients with MSA. Neurologists should pay attention to depression and anxiety in patients with MSA, especially in female patients and those with longer disease duration and severe disease condition.