[Annual updates of pulmonary infectious diseases in 2023]

In 2023, a range of pulmonary infectious diseases remain a significant public health concern. Meanwhile, the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, rising tuberculosis cases with lagging control measures, and increased susceptibility to fungal pneumonia after viral infections, have complicated the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infectious diseases. Despite these challenges, the year saw several significant research achievements in this field. Key advances include a deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis, improvements in pathogen detection technologies, the development of innovative antiviral and antibacterial drugs, progress in vaccine research, and advances in pulmonary rehabilitation methods. This review provided a concise summary of these key findings in 2023, with the aim of providing insights for future research and healthcare initiatives.

Urea-catalyzed N-Glycosylation of Amides/Azacycles with Glycosyl Halides

The efficient synthesis of N-glycosides via direct N-glycosylation of amides/azacycles has been reported. The glycosylation of amides/azacycles with glycosyl halides in the presence of a catalytic amount of urea proceeded smoothly to provide the corresponding N-glycosylated amides or nucleosides in good to excellent yields with 1,2-trans-stereoselectivity. Moreover, by the addition of terpyridine, the 1,2-cis-stereoselectivity was achieved.

[Survey of prevalence of hepatitis C in people aged 1-69 years in Henan Province, 2020]

Objective: To understand the infection status and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C in people aged 1-69 years in Henan Province in 2020. Methods: The estimated sample size was 5 827. From August to December 2020, multistage sampling was used to select 8 counties (districts) in Henan, and two survey sites were selected in each county (district), and a questionnaire survey was conducted in local people aged 1-69 years, blood samples were collected from them for anti-HCV, HCV RNA and genotype detections. Results: A total of 5 165 people aged 1-69 years completed the questionnaire survey. Men accounted for 44.76% (2 312/5 165), women accounted for 55.24% (2 853/5 165). In the people aged 1-69 years, the overall prevalence rates of anti-HCV and HCV RNA were 0.69% (95%CI: 0.68%-0.70%) and 0.20% (95%CI: 0.19%-0.21%) respectively. The prevalence rates of anti-HCV and HCV RNA were 0.48% (95%CI: 0.46%-0.50%), 0.09% (95%CI: 0.08%-0.10%) in men and 0.86% (95%CI: 0.85%-0.87%), 0.30% (95%CI: 0.28%-0.32%) in women. The prevalence rates of anti-HCV and HCV RNA increased with age. The prevalence rates of anti-HCV and HCV RNA were 0.87% (95%CI: 0.86%-0.88%), 0.28% (95%CI: 0.26%-0.30%) in urban residents and 0.53% (95%CI: 0.51%-0.55%), 0.14% (95%CI: 0.13%-0.15%) in rural residents. The genotyping results of 10 HCV RNA positive samples ware genotype 1b (4/10), genotype 2 (3/10), genotype 1b/3 (1/10), genotype 1b/3/6 (1/10) and genotype 2/6 (1/10). Conclusions: The prevalence of hepatitis C was low in Henan in 2020. It is necessary to strengthen hepatitis C surveillance in people aged 40 years and above. The major HCV genotypes were 1b and 2, and mixed genotype infection existed.

[Effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand]

Objective: To investigate the surgical methods and clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2018 to December 2021, 12 patients (19 wounds) with small and medium-sized thermal crush injury in the hand who met the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, including 5 males and 7 females, aged from 30 to 54 years. The area of the wound was from 2.5 cm×2.0 cm to 14.0 cm×3.5 cm, and all the wounds were repaired by using free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from lower leg on one side (including single flap, multiple flaps, and multiple flaps with one pedicle resected from the same donor site). The area of the flap was from 3.5 cm×3.0 cm to 16.0 cm×4.0 cm. The wound in the donor site was sutured directly. The vascular crisis and survival of the flap were observed after operation. The texture, appearance, color, hyperpigmentation, sensation, and two-point discrimination of the flap repaired area were followed up, as well as the hyperplasia of scar and pain condition in the donor and recipient sites. At the last follow-up, the curative effect of flap repair was evaluated by the comprehensive evaluation scale, and the extension and flexion functions of the reserved digital joint were evaluated by the total active movement systematic evaluation method recommended by American Academy for Surgery of Hand. Results: One flap developed arterial crisis on the first day after operation but survived after timely exploration. The other 18 flaps survived successfully after operation. Follow-up of 4 to 24 months after operation showed good texture and appearance in the flap repaired area; the color of the flap repaired area was similar to that of the normal skin around the recipient site, without pigmentation; the protective sensation was restored in all cases, but there was no two-point discrimination; there was no obvious hypertrophic scarring or pain in the donor or recipient site. At the last follow-up, the curative effect of flap repair was evaluated with 3 flaps being excellent and 16 flaps being good; the extension and flexion functions of the reserved digital joint were also assessed, being excellent in 8 fingers, good in 9 fingers, and fair in 2 fingers. Conclusions: The blood supply of superficial peroneal artery perforator flap is sufficient and reliable, and multiple flaps of this type or multiple flaps with one pedicle can be resected from one donor site. The use of this flap to repair small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand results in minimal damage to the donor area, and good postoperative appearance and texture of the flap.

[Effects of tensile force on the vascular lumen formation in three-dimensional printed tissue]

Objective: To explore the effects of tensile force on vascular lumen formation in three-dimensional printed tissue. Methods: The experimental research method was used. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were extracted from discarded umbilical cord tissue of 3 healthy women (aged 22 to 35 years) who gave birth in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital from September 2020 to May 2021. Human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) were extracted from discarded normal skin tissue of 10 male patients (aged 20 to 45 years) who underwent wound repair in the Department of Hand Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital from September 2020 to September 2022. After identification of the two kinds of cells, the 4th to 6th passage of cells were taken for the follow-up experiments. HUVECs and HSFs were used as seed cells, and polycaprolactone, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and fibrin were used as scaffold materials, and the three-dimensional printed vascularized tissue was created by three-dimensional bioprinting technology. The printed tissue with polycaprolactone scaffold of 6 and 10 mm spacing, and without polycaprolactone scaffold were set as 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group, 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group, and non-polycaprolactone group, respectively. After 4 days of culture, the printed tissue in 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group was selected to detect the cell survival by cell viability detection kit, and the cell survival rate was calculated. After 14 days of culture, the printed tissue in three groups were taken, and the shape change of tissue was observed by naked eyes; immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the arrangement of filamentous actin, and lumen diameter, total length, and number of branches of vessel in the tissue. The tissue with micro-spring structure in the above-mentioned three groups was designed, printed, and cultured for 9 days, and the tensile force applied in the printed tissue was measured according to the force-displacement curve. The number of samples was all 3 in the above experiments. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results: After 4 days of culture, the cell survival rate in printed tissue in 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group was (91.3±2.2)%. After 14 days of culture, the shape change of printed tissue in non-polycaprolactone group was not obvious, while the shape changes of printed tissue in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group and 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group were obvious. After 14 days of culture, the arrangement of filamentous actin in the printed tissue in non-polycaprolactone group had no specific direction, while the arrangement of filamentous actin in the printed tissue in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group and 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group had a specific direction. After 14 days of culture, The vascular lumen diameters of the printed tissue in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group and 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group were (6.0±1.3) and (10.8±1.3) μm, respectively, which were significantly larger than 0 μm in non-polycaprolactone group (P<0.05), and the vascular lumen diameter of printed tissue in 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group was significantly larger than that in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group (P<0.05); the total length and number of branches of blood vessel in the printed tissue in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group and 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group were significantly shorter or less than those in non-polycaprolactone group (P<0.05), and the total length and number of branches of blood vessel in the printed tissue in 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group were significantly shorter or less than those in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group. After 9 days of culture, the tensile forces applied in the printed tissue in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group and 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group were (2 340±59) and (4 284±538) μN, respectively, which were significantly higher than 0 μN in non-polycaprolactone group (P<0.05), and the tensile force applied in the printed tissue in 10 mm spacing polycaprolactone group was significantly higher than that in 6 mm spacing polycaprolactone group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The three-dimensional printed scaffold structure can exert different tensile force in the printed tissue, and the vascular lumen diameter of the printed tissue can be regulated by adjusting the tensile force.

The choice of spectral similarity algorithms influences suspected soil sample provenance

Similarity algorithms are commonly used in soil forensic applications to help identify similar samples from an existing reference library as possible source locations of unknown target samples. These algorithms are well-suited to compare soil spectra. However, different similarity algorithms may lead to different clusters of similar samples, and thus different strengths of evidence in forensic investigations. To quantify this, we conducted a study to evaluate the influence of seven similarity algorithms on soil provenance, using as a sample set a soil spectral library consisting of 280 soil profiles from Anhui Province, China. This library includes three spatial scales of datasets: provincial (DS_p), county (DS_c) and field (DS_f). A set of ten samples covering a wide range of spectra variations were selected from the DS_f dataset as the "unknown" samples, with the remaining being used as the reference samples. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate how several commonly-used similarity algorithms, namely Euclidean distance (ED), Mahalanobis distance (MD), Spectral angle mapper (SAM), and Spectral information divergence (SID), as well as variants of several of these measured in standardized principal component space computed from the spectra (ED_PCA, MD_PCA and SAM_PCA), influence the identification of the matched similar samples; (2) determine the overlap in sample selection between different similarity algorithms; (3) propose best practices for similarity algorithms applied to soil forensic analysis using spectroscopy. The use of different similarity algorithms did influence the selection of most similar samples. The similarity algorithms calculated in PC space (ED_PCA, MD_PCA and SAM_PCA) performed slightly better than their counterparts calculated in spectral space. Due to the availability of a detailed spectral library, regardless of the different similarity algorithms used, the matched most similar samples were all located close to the unknowns, mostly within 3 km, with one exception. That is, the varied choices of different similarity algorithms hardly influenced the conclusion of soil provenance in this case. In general, MD_PCA, SAM and ED were the best similarity algorithms overall. However, since there was no single best algorithms for all cases, we recommend the joint use of MD_PCA, SAM and ED as an ensemble. Indications of possible sample provenance from these similarity measured can be useful evidence to complement evidence from other methods in a forensic investigation.

[Epidemiological characteristics of newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above in Henan province, 1995-2020]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above in Henan province during 1995-2020, and to provide evidence for strategies on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Methods: Information about newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above in Henan between 1995 and 2020 were collected from the National Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Information System. The demographic and behavioral characteristics of HIV-infected cases aged ≥50 were analyzed, and the mixed linear model based on CD4⁺ T lymphocyte (CD4) counts back calculation was used to estimate the years, time and age of the HIV infection. Results: During 1995-2020, a total of 25 038 HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above were newly reported, accounting for 25.8% (25 038/96 867) of the total number of newly reported HIV-infected cases in Henan. The proportion of newly reported cases over 50-years-old gradually increased from 4.5% (18/396) in 1995-2000 to 35.5% (9 666/27 239) in 2016-2020, with statistically significant difference (χ²=3 105.53, P<0.001). Among them, the proportion of HIV-infected cases aged 60 years and above were increasing year by year. The proportion of male cases were increasing along with ageing. The proportion of HIV-infected cases detected by medical institutions also showed an upward trend. The newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above were mainly transmitted through sexual contact. The proportion of heterosexual transmission increased from 5.5% (1/18) in 1995-2000 to 86.2% (8 334/9 666) in 2016-2020, and the proportion of MSM-behavior-related transmission increased from 0.0% in 1995-2000 to 13.5% (1 304/9 666) in 2016-2020. The majority of cases had extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual behavior (48.1%, 4 007/8 334) and the proportion showed an upward trend. The majority of male cases had commercial heterosexual behavior (54.9%, 3 169/5 775), and with increasing proportion along with the increase of age. The majority of female cases had extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual behavior (62.5%, 1 600/2 559), with increasing proportion of extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual behavior. The proportion of heterosexual behavior with spouse or stable sexual partners showed a downward trend. The estimations based on CD4 counts back calculation model showed that among the newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above, the average age being infected was (54.8±10.2) years, with 33.8% (4 263/12 621) infected before 50. The interval between infection and diagnosis was (5.7±6.2) years, of which 52.6% (6 636/12 621) were infected for 5 years or longer and 34.7% (4 384/12 621) were in the last 3 years. There was no linear correlation trend in the composition of infection years among the newly reported HIV-infected cases over 50-years-old. Conclusions: In Henan, from 1995 to 2020, the number of newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above was increasing and sexual transmission becoming the main transmission route. The increase of prevalence was mostly seen in 60-years-old men, low education level and detected mainly by medical institutions. For this age group, the focus of HIV/AIDS prevention and control should target on those who were transmitted through extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual, commercial heterosexual and MSM behavior and it is necessary to strengthen the HIV testing and detection in this population and in the elderly floating group.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in ^{26}Si via β-Delayed Two-Proton Decay of ^{26}P

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

Features and clinical significance of tertiary lymphoid structure in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) plays an important role in anti-tumor immunity, largely reflecting the prognosis. However, its clinical implication in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the features of TLS in cSCC and its association with clinicopathological characteristics.

METHODS

Two independent RNA-seq data of cSCC were used to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment, as well as TLS-related chemokines and cytokines. The density and location of TLSs were assessed in a total of 82 cSCC patients, and the clinicopathologic association was examined.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis showed that a large amount of immune cell infiltration and significant up-regulation of TLS-related chemokines were observed in cSCC. Histologically, TLSs appeared as highly organized structures in 72 (87.8%) cases with different levels of density and maturation, among which 14 cases were in low-density group and 58 cases were in high-density group. Clinically, the presence of TLS was prominently associated with better degree of histopathological grades and higher level of sun exposure. Furthermore, the presence of intratumoral TLS was associated with lower lymphovascular invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

TLS is highly organized in cSCC, and the presence of TLS is a positive prognostic factor for cSCC, which will provide a theoretical basis for the future diagnostic and therapeutic value in cSCC.

[Analysis of factors associated with the structure of the gut microbial community in HIV/AIDS patients in some areas of Henan province]

Objective: To investigate the related factors associated with the structure of the gut microbial community in HIV infection/AIDS cases (HIV/AIDS) in Henan province. Methods: The convenience sampling method was used to select 122 cases who were receiving Antiviral Treatment (ART) or ART-naive in Henan. Whole blood and stool specimens were collected. Genomic DNA of stool samples was extracted, and the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 high-throughput sequencing system. The analysis was performed mainly at the genus level, and the 30 genera with the highest abundance were selected as a measure of the gut microbial community structure. The correlation between community structure and related factors was analyzed using redundancy analysis and Envfit function. Results: 122 cases were finally completed sequencing and analysis, the average BMI was (23.62±2.78) kg/m² and the average age was (47±13) years. Among them, male accounted for 66.39% (81/122), and heterosexual transmission route constituted the largest ratio, accounting for 51.64% (63/122). 36 cases were treatment naive (29.51%, 36/122). The top five dominant genera of the total population (122 cases) were Prevotella, Roseburia, Megamonas, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium and the top five dominant genera of the ART population (86 cases) were Prevotella, Megamonas, Bacteroides, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium. The top five dominant genera of the ART-naive population (36 cases) appeared as Prevotella, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Bacteroides and Megamonas. In the total population, ART (P<0.001) was the most significant factors of community structure. Other significant factors were: duration of diagnosis (P=0.009), viral load (P=0.022) and anti-HCV (P=0.018). ART was positively correlated with Megamonas and negatively correlated with Prevotella, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium, while the other three factors of duration of diagnosis, viral load and anti-HCV were positively correlated with Prevotella, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium and negatively correlated with Megamonas. In the ART-naive population, duration of diagnosis (P=0.003) were the factors significantly associated with community structure. Duration of diagnosis was positively correlated with Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Megamonas and Prevotella and negatively correlated with Bacteroides. Conclusion: ART and duration of diagnosis were factors significantly associated with gut microbial community structure and had a significant impact on multiple high-abundance genera.

[Trend and prediction of hepatitis C cases in children aged 14 years old and younger in Henan province, 2005-2020]

Objective: To explore the time series characteristics of hepatitis C cases in children aged ≤14 years old in Henan and predict their epidemic situation with effective model. Methods: Hepatitis C reported data among children aged ≤14 years old in Henan from 2005 to 2020 were collected from China information system for diseases control and prevention. Descriptive and time series analyses were used to demonstrate characteristics of time trend, decomposition methods were used to show the seasonality by using seasonal indices and the long-term trend by using a linear regression model. An auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was established. Results: From 2005 to 2020, a total of 5 355 hepatitis C cases in children were reported in Henan, the seasonal index range of the hepatitis C was lower than 1, and no obvious seasonality characteristics was observed. The average of monthly incidence of 2005-2011 showed increase trend (0.351 case/month), and the incidence of 2012-2020 decreased (-0.474 case/month). The predicted reported case number of hepatitis C in children in Henan from January 2005 to December 2020 fitted by ARIMA model was consistent with the actual number, the RMSE of the number of reported cases in the current year and the existing number of children cases was 10.240, 10.558, the MAPE was 35.566, 0.659, and the MAE was 6.688, 7.156, respectively. Conclusion: Time series analysis on surveillance data is useful for the better understanding of the epidemic situation of hepatitis C in children aged ≤14 years. ARIMA model can be used in the short-term prediction and dynamic analysis of the incidence of hepatitis C in children in Henan.

[Characteristics and trends of HIV/AIDS cases with the non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission in Henan province, 2015-2020]

Objective: To analysis the characteristics and trends of non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS cases in Henan province between 2015 and 2020. Methods: Information of newly reported HIV/AIDS through non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission was collected from National Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Information system, using SPSS 22.0 to analyze the characteristics and tend of cases. Results: During 2015-2020, a total of 10 877 HIV/AIDS cases infected by non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission were newly reported in Henan province. This mode of infection increased from 32.6% in 2015 to 35.5% in 2020 (trend χ²=81.880,P<0.01). The male to female ratio was 1.9∶1 (7 105∶3 772). The mean age was (45.5±15.8) years, increasing annually (F=5.184,P<0.01). For female cases, the proportion of aged 15-50 years group was decreased annually (trend χ²=69.888, P<0.01). Most HIV/AIDS cases were distributed in the early HIV epidemic areas and Zhengzhou city, the same as the cases of the first CD4⁺T cells counts (CD4) below 200 cells/μl. The median (P₂₅, P₇₅) first CD4 count was 298 (143, 462) cells/μl. The proportion of the first CD4<200 cells/μl was no significant change annually, while the proportion of the first CD4≥500 cells/μl was decreasing annually (trend χ²=18.961,P<0.01). Conclusions: The reported cases through non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission increased, with most of them were male, married, junior, farmer, migrant laborer, and aged 40-59 years. It is needed to focus on the rural district and the middle-aged population, combined with biological and social factors to control the prevalence of AIDS through comprehensive prevention and control measures.

[Granulomatosis with polyangiitis with nasal symptoms as the first clinical manifestation: clinical analysis of 18 cases]

Objective: To analyze and summarize the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) with nasal symptoms as the first clinical manifestation. Methods: The data of 18 patients of GPA with nasal mucosal symptoms as the first clinical manifestation from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between 2005 and 2019 was collected, including 8 males and 10 females, aged from 5 to 68 years. Nasal endoscopy, imaging examination, laboratory examination, immunological and histopathological examination of nasal mucosa were completed. All patients were treated with glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide and were followed up for 2 to 15 years. Descriptive statistical method was used for analysis. Results: All the 18 patients had the nasal mucosal symptoms as the first clinical manifestation, including nasal obstruction, running nose and epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy showed swelling, erosion, scab and bleeding of nasal mucosa, and 6 cases had nasal septal perforation. Nasal sinus CT scan showed high density shadow of sinus, as well as hyperostosis and osteosclerosis. CT imaging features of pulmonary showed nodular lesion or patchy infiltration in 12 patients and cavitation was found in 6 cases. Laboratory results showed that 13 cases were positive for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), and 5 cases were negative. During follow-up period, thirteen patients were symptomatic controlled and survived; two patients died of disease progression; one patient gave up treatment and died; two patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Nasal symptoms are the first clinical manifestation of GPA. Early diagnosis and early treatment with glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide can effectively improve the survival rate.

MicroRNA-543 inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of triple-negative breast cancer cells via down-regulation of ACTL6A gene

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of microRNA-543 (miR-543) on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, and the associated mechanism.

METHODS

Human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, HCC1937, and MCF-7, ZR-75-1) and normal human breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A) were transfected with miR-543 mimics or inhibitor using lipofectamine 2000. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of miR-543, actin-like protein 6A (ACTL6A), vimentin, Snail, and E-cadherin in breast cancer cells/tissue. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound-healing, and Transwell assays were used to measure the effect of miR-543 on TNBC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Overall survival was determined using data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay were used to determine the regulatory effect of miR-543 on ACTL6A.

RESULTS

The level of expression of miR-543 was significantly lower in breast cancer cells/tissue than in normal human breast epithelial cell/tissue (p < 0.05). MicroRNA-543 expression level was significantly reduced in TNBC cells/tissue, relative to the other breast cancer cells/normal breast tissue (p < 0.05). MicroRNA-543 significantly suppressed tumor growth and the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of TNBC cells, in mouse xenograft model (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

miR-543 influences the biological behavior of TNBC cells by directly targeting ACTL6A gene. miR-543 could serve as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for TNBC.

Protecting-group-free S-glycosylation towards thioglycosides and thioglycopeptides in water

A facile and green S-glycosylation method has been developed featuring protecting-group-free and proceeding-in-water like enzymatic synthesis. Glycosylation of fluoride donors with thiol sugar acceptors using Ca(OH)2 as a promoter afforded various thioglycosides in good yields with exclusive stereoselectivity. This method also enabled the successful production of S-linked oligosaccharides and S-linked glycopeptides.

Ganglioside Extraction, Purification and Profiling

Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids that contain one or more sialic acid residues. They are found on all vertebrate cells and tissues but are especially abundant in the brain. Expressed primarily on the outer leaflet of the plasma membranes of cells, they modulate the activities of cell surface proteins via lateral association, act as receptors in cell-cell interactions and are targets for pathogens and toxins. Genetic dysregulation of ganglioside biosynthesis in humans results in severe congenital nervous system disorders. Because of their amphipathic nature, extraction, purification, and analysis of gangliosides require techniques that have been optimized by many investigators in the 80 years since their discovery. Here, we describe bench-level methods for the extraction, purification, and preliminary qualitative and quantitative analyses of major gangliosides from tissues and cells that can be completed in a few hours. We also describe methods for larger scale isolation and purification of major ganglioside species from brain. Together, these methods provide analytical and preparative scale access to this class of bioactive molecules.

Forensic soil source identification: comparing matching by color, vis-NIR spectroscopy and easily-measured physio-chemical properties

This study evaluates to what degree soil samples associated in characteristic space are also close in geographical space, i.e., the possible location from which an unknown sample was obtained in a forensic investigation. The study compares similarity computed from Munsell colors, RGB colors, and full visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) spectra by the spectral angle mapper with similarity based on six easily-measured physio-chemical properties. The reference area is Anhui Province, China with three scales of datasets: provincial, county, and field. Ten diverse "unknown" samples were selected by the Kennard-Stone algorithm from the field-scale dataset and their matches in characteristic space from the several datasets were found by the different methods. The geographic distances of the matches to the "unknowns" were used to evaluate the source identification ability. When a detailed library with local samples is present, a limited set of physio-chemical properties achieved higher geographic accuracy than the color and spectral methods. However, with a regional library the spectral and color methods are superior. Distances in RGB space reveal finer differences than exact matching in Munsell space, but whole-spectra matching outperforms both, because of the rich information influenced by more soil properties than influencing color. We recommend the use of soil vis-NIR spectra as a priority indicator for forensic soil analysis because of its success in this study and its ability to work non-destructively on small quantities of soil.

[The association between single nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin-1β gene rs1143627 site and susceptibility to active tuberculosis]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of IL-1β gene and susceptibility to tuberculosis. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Shenzhen Third People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2014. A total of 1 533 patients with active tuberculosis were enrolled, including 1 432 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis[920 males and 512 females, mean age (37±14) years] and 101 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis [60 males and 41 females, mean age (35±13) years]. At the same time, 1 445 healthy controls (882 males and 563 females, mean age (37±20) years) were selected. The genotypes of rs1143627, rs1143623, rs16944 and rs2853550 of IL-1β gene were detected by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The allele frequencies of rs1143627 T>C (-31) were compared between patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and those with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Fifty-three patients with active tuberculosis [male 32, female 21, mean age (37±15) years] were randomly selected, and the correlation between SNP alleles and tuberculosis severity was analyzed before and after treatment. Results: Time-of-flight mass spectrometry effectively detected the genotypes of 4 SNP loci. Among the 4 SNP loci, only the allele frequency of -31 locus was significantly different between the active tuberculosis group and the control group. The allele frequency of rs1143627 T locus in active tuberculosis group was 53.3%(1 634/3 066), which was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group 48.7%(1 407/2 890; OR=1.20, 95%CI=1.09-1.33, P=0.001 6) .The frequencies of the other 3 SNP alleles were not significantly different between the active tuberculosis group and the control group. The frequencies of the other 3 SNP alleles were 59% (1 821/3 066) and 60% (1 732/2 890) for rs1143623 G allele, 51% (1 574/3 066) and 52% (1 499/2 890) for rs16944 G allele, and 64% (1 964/3 066) and 65% (1 875/2 890) for rs2853550 T allele respectively. Stratified analysis showed that the frequency of the -31 T allele in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (62.9%, 127/202) was significantly higher than that in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (52.6%,1 507/2 864) (OR=1.53; 95% CI=1.13-2.05; P=0.005).The HRCT scores of patients with rs1143627 TT, TC and CC genotypes were 26.6, 13.9 and 13.3 respectively before anti-tuberculosis treatment, and after 2 years of anti-tuberculosis treatment, the HRCT scores of patients with rs1143627 TT, TC and CC genotypes were 14.7, 6.6 and 5.4 respectively, which indicated that TB patients with rs1143627T allele were associated with more severe pulmonary disease. Conclusion: The SNP of IL-1β-31T>C was associated with susceptibility to active tuberculosis, and T allele was the susceptible gene and individuals carrying T allele were more likely to develop extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Clostridioides difficile cd2775 Encodes a Unique Mannosyl-1-Phosphotransferase for Polysaccharide II Biosynthesis

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the leading cause of antibiotic-induced bacterial colitis and life-threatening diarrhea worldwide. The commonly existing anionic polysaccharide II (PSII) is responsible for protein anchoring involved in colonization, and the gene cd2775 located in its biosynthesis gene cluster is essential for bacterial growth. Herein, we demonstrated that cd2775 encodes a novel mannosyl-1-phosphotransferase (ManPT) responsible for the phosphorylation of PSII. Unlike typical mannosyltransferases, CD2775 transfers mannose-α1-phosphate instead of mannose from guanosine 5'-diphospho-d-mannose to disaccharide acceptors, forming a unique mannose-α1-phosphate-6-glucose linkage. The enzyme was overexpressed in E. coli and purified for biochemical characterization and substrate specificity study. It is found that CD2775 possesses a strict acceptor specificity toward Glc-β1,3-GalNAc-diphospho-lipids but extreme promiscuity toward various sugar donors. This is the first report of a ManPT in all living systems. Given its essentiality in C. difficile growth, CD2775 can be a promising target for therapeutics development.

[Reconstruction of orbital floor defect with preserved orbital contents after advanced maxillary sinus cancer resection]

Objective: To analyze the method and effect of reconstruction of the orbital floor defect with preserved orbital contents after advanced maxillary sinus cancer resection. Methods: Thirty-three patients of T3/T4 stage maxillary sinus cancer with orbital invasion who were treated in Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2010 to October 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 males and 13 females, aged from 12 to 80 years old. Patients were treated with appropriate surgical methods according to their clinical manifestation, imaging finding, invasion range, preoperative and intraoperative pathology. Surgical approaches such as maxillectomy, expanded maxillectomy and superstructure maxillectomy were used for patients with Medpor orbit floor repairment. Patients were followed up regularly after surgery, and the surgical efficacy was discussed by descriptive statistical method. Results: Of those 33 cases, 19 were squamous cell carcinoma, 8 were adenoid cystic carcinoma, 5 were inverted papilloma malignant transformation, and 1 was myoepithelial carcinoma in our study. After tumor resection and orbital floor repair, the orbital contents and eyeball function of all patients remained intact. During follow-up time ranged from 3 to 8 years, a total of 6 patients relapsed at 3 years and died of ineffective treatment. The survival rate was 81.8% (27/33). Conclusion: Tumor resection and Medpor orbital floor repair in maxillary sinus cancer patients with orbital invasion can preserve the function of the eyeball well, greatly improve the quality of patient's life.

[Effect of downregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog gene expression on p130crk- related substrate protein and paxillin signal transduction in activated hepatic stellate cells in vitro]

Objective: To investigate the role of adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in down-regulating the expression of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) on p130Crk-related substrates(p130Cas) and paxillin signal transduction to activate hepatic stellate cell (HSC) in vitro. Methods: The rat hepatic stellate cell line, HSC-T6 was cultured and activated in vitro. The adenovirus was used as a vector to transiently transfect shRNA targeting PTEN to activate HSC in vitro, and then PTEN low expression model of activated HSC in vitro was established. Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of PTEN, p130cas and paxillin in activated HSC. The experiment was divided into control group (HSC were transfected with DMEM medium instead of adenovirus), Ad-GFP group (HSC were infected with empty the adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) alone), and Ad-shRNA/PTEN group (HSC were infected with the recombinant adenovirus containing both shRNA targeting PTEN and GFP gene). One-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of multiple groups, and LSD test was used for inter-group comparison. Results: shRNA targeting PTEN was successfully transfected and significantly down-regulated the PTEN protein and mRNA expression of HSC in vitro (P < 0.05), and the PTEN low expression model of HSC in vitro was successfully constructed. Compared with the expression of p130cas mRNA in the three groups of HSC, the expression fold of p130cas mRNA in the Ad-GFP group and the Ad-shRNA / PTEN group was 1.01 times and 1.52 times, respectively. The expression of p130cas mRNA in HSC of the Ad-shRNA / PTEN group was significantly higher than control group and Ad-GFP group (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the control group and the Ad-GFP group (P > 0.05). The expression of p130cas protein in the three groups was higher than that in the control group (0.74 ± 0.07) and the Ad-GFP group (0.72 ± 0.02); P < 0.05, but there was no statistically significant difference between the Ad-GFP group and the control group (P > 0.05). The expression of paxillin mRNA in the three groups of HSCs was compared with the expression of paxillin mRNA in the control group of HSC being 1, the expression folds of paxillin mRNA in the Ad-GFP group and Ad-shRNA / PTEN group were 0.97 times and 1.58 times, respectively. The expression of paxillin mRNA in the Ad-shRNA / PTEN group was higher than that in the control group and the Ad-GFP group (P < 0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference between the control group and the Ad-GFP group (P > 0.05). The expression of paxillin protein in the three groups of HSCs was higher in the Ad-shRNA / PTEN group (0.91 ± 0.05) than control group (0.46 ± 0.03) and Ad-GFP group (0.50 ± 0.04), P < 0.05, and there was no statistically significant difference between the Ad-GFP group and the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Down-regulation of PTEN expression can significantly boost p130cas and signal transduction activity of paxillin protein in activated HSC in vitro.

[Multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus for repair of multiple hand wounds]

Objective: To explore the effects of multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus for repair of multiple hand wounds. Methods: From November 2017 to December 2018, eight cases with eighteen hand wounds were hospitalized in our unit. Among them, wounds were distributed in the forefinger and middle finger in four cases, wounds were distributed in the middle finger and ring finger in two cases, wounds were distributed in the forefinger, middle finger, and ring finger in one case, and wounds were distributed in the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger in one case. The area of skin defect ranged from 1.5 cm×0.8 cm to 4.0 cm×3.0 cm. There were 4 males and 4 females, aged 34-62 years. Wounds of six cases were repaired by two free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from homolateral crus, and those of two cases were repaired by three free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from homolateral crus. Superficial peroneal artery and its accompanying vein of flap were anastomosed by end to end with digital artery and palmar or dorsal subcutaneous vein of recipient site during the operation. The area of flap ranged from 2.5 cm×1.2 cm to 5.0 cm×4.0 cm. No nerve was harvested during the operation, and donor site was sutured directly. The survival of the flaps and the healing of donor sites were recorded. During follow-up, the recovery of donor and recipient sites was observed. Results: All flaps survived well, donor site healed well. No vascular crisis occurred. Follow-up for 4 to 12 months showed that the appearance of flap was satisfactory with good color, texture, elasticity, and function. Protective sensation of recipient site was recovered. Five months after operation, flap of finger pulp in one case was swollen slightly with two-points discrimination of 10 mm, which received the thinning surgery. Obvious scar formation was not observed in donor site of crus. The appearance of the donor site was good without functional damage. Conclusions: The application of multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus to repair the multiple hand wounds has advantages of easy acquisition, easy operation, little effect on donor sites, and satisfactory clinical effects.

UFD1 contributes to MYC-mediated leukemia aggressiveness through suppression of the proapoptotic unfolded protein response

Despite the pivotal role of MYC in tumorigenesis, the mechanisms by which it promotes cancer aggressiveness remain incompletely understood. Here we show that MYC transcriptionally upregulates the ubiquitin fusion degradation 1 (UFD1) gene in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Allelic loss of ufd1 in zebrafish induces tumor-cell apoptosis and impairs MYC-driven T-ALL progression but does not affect general health. As the E2 component of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) complex, UFD1 facilitates the elimination of misfolded/unfolded proteins from the ER. We found that UFD1 inactivation in human T-ALL cells impairs ERAD, exacerbates ER stress, and induces apoptosis. Moreover, we show that UFD1 inactivation promotes the proapoptotic unfolded protein response (UPR) mediated by protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK). This effect is demonstrated by an upregulation of PERK and its downstream effector C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), as well as a downregulation of BCL2 and BCLxL. Indeed, CHOP inactivation or BCL2 overexpression is sufficient to rescue tumor-cell apoptosis induced by UFD1 knockdown. Together, our studies identify UFD1 as a critical regulator of the ER stress response and a novel contributor to MYC-mediated leukemia aggressiveness, with implications for targeted therapy in T-ALL and likely other MYC-driven cancers.

CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 enhances the response of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells to ionizing radiation

Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the primary modalities for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. However, due to the pro-metastatic potential of radiation and the intrinsic radiation resistance of some tumors, many patients experience RT failure, which leads to cancer relapse and distant metastasis. This preclinical study evaluated the efficacy of the antagonist of the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4, AMD3100, as a radiosensitizer in TNBC models. The combined effect of ionizing radiation and AMD3100 was determined in vitro by surviving fraction, cell cycle distribution, Bax and Bcl-2 expression, and apoptosis assays in a TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231). For in vivo studies, human xenograft athymic nude mice were used. Treatment of TNBC cells with AMD3100 significantly augmented cellular radiosensitivity. Radiosensitivity was enhanced specifically through increased Bax expression, reduced Bcl-2 expression, prolonged G2-M arrest, and increased apoptosis. Combined treatment with AMD3100 and irradiation also enhanced tumor growth delay, with an enhancement factor ranging from 1.5 to 1.8. These findings support the evaluation of antagonists of the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4, such as AMD3100, as potent radiosensitizers in TNBC.

PO and ID BCG vaccination in humans induce distinct mucosal and systemic immune responses and CD4+ T cell transcriptomal molecular signatures

Protective efficacy of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) may be affected by the methods and routes of vaccine administration. We have studied the safety and immunogenicity of oral (PO) and/or intradermal (ID) administration of BCG in healthy human subjects. No major safety concerns were detected in the 68 healthy adults vaccinated with PO and/or ID BCG. Although both PO and ID BCG could induce systemic Th1 responses capable of IFN-γ production, ID BCG more strongly induced systemic Th1 responses. In contrast, stronger mucosal responses (TB-specific secretory IgA and bronchoalveolar lavage T cells) were induced by PO BCG vaccination. To generate preliminary data comparing the early gene signatures induced by mucosal and systemic BCG vaccination, CD4⁺ memory T cells were isolated from subsets of BCG vaccinated subjects pre- (Day 0) and post-vaccination (Days 7 and 56), rested or stimulated with BCG infected dendritic cells, and then studied by Illumina BeadArray transcriptomal analysis. Notably, distinct gene expression profiles were identified both on Day 7 and Day 56 comparing the PO and ID BCG vaccinated groups by GSEA analysis. Future correlation analyses between specific gene expression patterns and distinct mucosal and systemic immune responses induced will be highly informative for TB vaccine development.

Synthetic Glycans and Glycomimetics: A Promising Alternative to Natural Polysaccharides

A large quantity of polysaccharide-derived conjugate vaccines have been developed to combat various pathogenic infections. Another prominent polysaccharide, heparin, is listed as an essential drug by the World Health Organization (WHO) to treat thrombus. One of their common problems is that they all derive from natural polysaccharides. Specifically, capsular polysaccharides are mainly obtained from bacterial fermentation and unfractionated heparin is extracted from animal tissues such as porcine mucosa. The quality of natural polysaccharides is inconsistent and traces of contamination would cause a disaster. By contrast, the use of chemical or chemoenzymatic methods could provide structurally homogeneous and quality-controlled glycans. To date, large numbers of polysaccharide fragments and their analogues have been synthesized and evaluated. Some of them even showed comparable activities to their corresponding natural polysaccharides. Here, the latest advances in these synthetic glycan analogues ranging from carbohydrate-based vaccines, heparin-related therapeutics and glycomimetics of polysaccharides are summarized.

Chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of penta- to octa- saccharide fragments of Vi polysaccharide fromSalmonella typhi

The penta- to octa-saccharide fragments of Vi polysaccharide were synthesized efficiently, and the hexasaccharide might be the minimum epitope of Vi antigen based on ELISA analysis.

[Diagnostic value of combination of US and MRI in preoperative prediction for the extrathyroidal extension of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of preoperative ultrasonography(US), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and US combined with MRI in the prediction of extrathyroidal extension(ETE) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2016, a total of 83 consecutive patients underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed PTCs with ETE. We analyzed all patients with PTC with ETE who received preoperative combination of US and MRI scan to evaluate ETE. Results: For minimal ETE, the accuracy was 92.2%(47/51) of US, 74.5%(38/51) of MRI, and their combination was 98.0%(50/51). The differences of the three methods for minimal ETE were statistically significantly different(P=0.000). For extensive ETE, the accuracy was 62.5%(20/32) of US, 87.5%(28/32) of MRI, and their combination was 93.8%(30/32). The different of the three methods for extensive ETE was statistically significantly different(P=0.000). For the total accuracy of ETE, US was 80.7%(67/83), MRI was 79.5% (66/83), and their combination was 96.4%(80/83). The difference of the three methods for ETE was statistically significantly different(P=0.001). Conclusion: The combination of US and MRI can improve the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of ETE for PTC.

[Refractory kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: clinical analysis of 10 cases]

Objective: To analyze the clinical value of sirolimus plus prednisone for the treatment of the refractory kaposiform hemangioendothelioma(RKHE) and Kasabach-Merritt syndrome(KMS). Method: Clinical retrospective analysis was carried out for 10 patients recruited in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Paediatrics from January 2014 to January 2017 who were non responders to or relapsers after the treatment of propranolol, prednisone, pingyangmycin and lauromacrogol(5 cases RKHE, 5 cases RKHE plus KMS, age ranged from 6 days to 9 years); patients were treated with sirolimus at the dosage of 0.035 ml/(kg·d), once a day, for 6-410 days; the diagnosis of 10 patients were confirmed by pathological biopsy and immunohistochemical examination(IHC); the difference of the coagulation parameters and the platelet counts, the size of tumor and ecchymosis at different stages of treatment were recorded and measured by scale and ultrasonography; the side effects of sirolimus were recorded as well. Result: Clinical characteristics of 10 cases (6 male and 4 female) RKHE with KMS were refractory dark red hard hemangioma or ecchymosis, the platelet counts were lower than 30.0×10(9)/L, (15±7)×10(9)/L, coagulation tests were obviously abnormal, fibrinogens were significantly decreased(0.8±0.5)g/L, the fibrin lysates and D-dimer were significantly increased(100±23)mg/L, (10 000±2 200)ng/L, the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged(25.0±2.1)s, (58.0±3.4)s. The pathologic characteristics of the tumors were similar: spindle tumor cells, mass distribution and deeply stained nuclei tumor cells. IHC revealed positive staining for D2-40, CD31 and CD34. Stainings for factor Ⅷ and GLUT-1 were negative. In five cases RKHE plus KMS were treated with sirolimus and prednisone, after (6.5±0.7) days treatment, the platelet counts were obviously increased(72.0±0.6)×10(9)/L, coagulation parameters were obviously improved, fibrinogen significantly increased(1.5±0.2)g/L, the fibrinlysates and D-dimer significantly decreased(7±3)mg/L, (2 300±200)ng/L, the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged(15±2.3)s, (42±3.4) s, and the sizes of tumor and ecchymosis were slightly shrunken 18%±3%, 38%±5%; after (30±5.7) days treatment, the platelet counts and coagulation parameters returned to normal(146±36)×10(9)/L, and the size of tumor and ecchymosis were obviously shrunken 73%±3%, 97%±3%; after (3±0.4) months treatment, the tumor was obviously shrunken by 93%±2% and no longer palpable. In five cases with RKHE without KMS manifested stubborn dark red hard hemangiomatous plaques, coagulation tests and platelet were obviously normal, these patients were treated with sirolimus, after (2.0±0.6) months treatment, the tumor became shrunken 8%±3%, with continuous treatment the tumor shrunk gradually, after (4.0±3.2)months(2-18 mouths) the tumor was not eliminated 51%±7%. Conclusion: RKHE and KMS have typical clinical, laboratory and pathological characteristics, sirolimus plus prednisone have remarkable efficacy and minor side effects, it should be recommended for the treatment of KHE with KMS.

Thoracolumbar kyphosis is associated with compressive vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women

The main aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between vertebral compression fracture and thoracolumbar Cobb angles. Fracture prevalence was found to be significantly higher for patients with moderate [odds ratio (OR) = 4.78 (2.88-7.95)] or severe kyphosis [OR = 10.7 (5.11-22.40)] than for patients with mild kyphosis. The relationship between degree of thoracolumbar kyphosis and vertebral compression fracture was analyzed.

INTRODUCTION

The hypothesis that vertebral compression fracture in women is related to thoracolumbar kyphosis severity was tested, and a clinically important cutoff degree of sagittal thoracolumbar Cobb angle (TLCobb) was determined.

METHODS

Demographic data, clinical data, and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) findings were compiled for 212 postmenopausal women with thoracolumbar fracture (study group) and 150 postmenopausal women with degenerative lumbar disease (control group). Group proportions and characteristics were compared with chi-squared tests and unpaired t tests, respectively.

RESULTS

In this retrospective cross-sectional study cohort, 17 patients had T11 fractures, 79 had T12 fractures, 89 had L1 fractures, and 27 had L2 fractures. QCT findings and TLCobb differed between the study and control groups (both p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in body mass index (BMI), disk height, or coronal TLCobb. After adjustment for age, BMI, and QCT findings, fracture prevalence was found to be higher in the thoracolumbar kyphosis study group than in the control group [OR = 6.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.88-9.78]. Sagittal TLCobbs of 7.5-15° and >15° were associated with an increased fracture prevalence, with ORs of 4.78 (2.88-7.95) and 10.7 (5.11-22.40), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Vertebral fracture prevalence in postmenopausal women was found to be associated with thoracolumbar kyphosis. A TLCobb sagittal angle >15° should be considered an indicator for vertebral fracture assessment.

Microbial diversity in raw milk and traditional fermented dairy products (Hurood cheese and Jueke) from Inner Mongolia, China

Hurood cheese (HC) and Jueke (Jk) are 2 traditional fermented dairy products produced from raw milk (RM) in the Inner Mongolia region of China. They have a long history of production and consumption. The microbial compositions of RM, HC, and Jk vary greatly, and are influenced by their geographical origins and unique processing methods. In this study, 2 batches of RM, HC, and Jk samples were collected (April and August 2015) from the Zhenglan Banner, a region located in the southern part of Inner Mongolian belonging to the Xilingol league prefecture. The bacterial and fungal diversities of the samples were determined by 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis, respectively. A total of 112 bacterial and 30 fungal sequences were identified, with Firmicutes and Ascomycota being the predominant phyla for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Lactococcus and Lactobacillus were identified as the main bacterial genera, whereas Kluyveromyces was the predominant fungus identified in the 3 dairy products. Different bacterial and fungal compositions were observed in RM, HC, and Jk samples collected at different times. These results suggested that time of production may be an important factor influencing the microbial diversity present in RM, HC, and Jk.

[Effects of wild-type PTEN overexpression and its mutation on F-actin in activated hepatic stellate cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect of overexpression of wild-type phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deleted on chromosome 10 and its mutant G129E (exhibiting the activity of protein phosphatase and losing the activity of lipid phosphatase) on F-actin in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) cultured in vitro. Methods: The activated hepatic stellate cell-T6 (HSC-T6) cells were cultured in vitro, and activated HSCs were transfected with adenovirus that carried wild-type PTEN gene and G129E gene using transient transfection. The HSCs were divided into the following groups: control group, which was transfected with DMEM medium instead of virus solution; Ad-GFP group, which was transfected with the empty adenovirus vector with the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP); Ad-PTEN group, which was transfected with the recombinant adenovirus with wild-type PTEN gene and GFP expression; Ad-G129E group, which was transfected with the recombinant adenovirus with G129E gene and GFP expression. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to measure the protein and mRNA expression of PTEN in activated HSCs; under a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM), phalloidine labeled with the fluorescein tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC) was used to observe the morphology of HSCs, distribution and fluorescence intensity of F-actin, and changes in pseudopodia and stress fibers, and a calcium fluorescence probe (Rhod-2/AM) was used to measure the changes in Ca(2+) concentration in HSCs. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference test was used for comparison between two groups. Results: Wild-type PTEN and G129E genes were highly expressed in activated HSCs. In the control group and the Ad-GFP group, HSCs had a starlike or polygonal shape, F-actin was reconfigured and formed a large number of stress fibers which stretched across the whole cell, and layered pseudopodia were seen around the cell. In the Ad-PTEN group and the Ad-G129E group, the HSCs had a fusiform shape, F-actin was mainly seen around the cell, a small number of stress fibers were seen inside the cell, and layered pseudopodia around the cell disappeared. The Ad-PTEN group and the Ad-G129E group had significant reductions in the fluorescence intensity of F-actin compared with the control group and the Ad-GFP group (357.67±13.39/377.25±14.55 vs 961.87±27.33/954.68±20.71, F = 1783.486, P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences between the Ad-PTEN group and the Ad-G129E group, as well as between the control group and the Ad-GFP group (P > 0.05). The Ad-PTEN group and the Ad-G129E group had significant reductions in the relative concentration of Ca(2+) compared with the control group and the Ad-GFP group (251.60±90.88/352.18±146.01 vs 1953.95±132.99/1937.57±115.17, F = 834.988, P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences between the Ad-PTEN group and the Ad-G129E group, as well as between the control group and the Ad-GFP group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The overexpressed wild-type PTEN and its mutant G129E can significantly inhibit the formation and reconfiguration of cytoskeletal protein F-actin and reduce the concentration of Ca2+ in activated HSCs in vitro. In addition, there are no significant differences in the above effects between wild-type PTEN and G129E.

Two novel ATP2C1 mutations in patients with Hailey-Hailey disease and a literature review of sequence variants reported in the Chinese population

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder in which the ATP2C1 gene has been implicated. Many mutations of this gene have been detected in HHD patients. To analyze such mutations in HHD and summarize all those identified in Chinese patients with this disease, we examined four familial and two sporadic cases and searched for case reports and papers by using the Chinese Biological Medicine Database and PubMed. HHD diagnoses were made based on clinical features and histopathological findings. Polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the ATP2C1 gene were performed using blood samples from HHD patients, unaffected family members, and 120 healthy individuals. Three mutations were identified, including the recurrent mutation c.2126C>T (p.Thr709Met), and two novel missense mutations, c.2235_2236insC (p.Pro745fs*756) and c.689G>A (p.Gly230Asp). Considering our data, 81 different mutations have now been reported in Chinese patients with HHD. In cases of misannotation or duplication, previously published mutations were renamed according to a complementary DNA reference sequence. These mutations are scattered throughout the ATP2C1 gene, with no evident hotspots or clustering. It is of note that some reported "novel" mutations were in fact found to be recurrent. Our findings expand the range of known ATP2C1 sequence variants in this disease.

Identification of target genes for adenohypophysis-prefer miR-7 and miR-375 in cattle

In this study, expression levels of miRNAs (miRNAs), miR-375 and miR-7, were detected in different tissues of cattle to determine whether adenohypophysis-prefer or exclusively expressed miRNAs, and target genes could be predicted by TargetScan, RNA22, and other software. Target genes related to pituitary function or reproductive traits were identified using a dual-luciferase assay. miR-375 and miR-7 were expressed differently in various tissues. miR-375 and miR-7 showed higher expression in the adenohypophysis, and there was a significant difference compared with expression in other tissues (P < 0.01). The binding sites for miR-7 were the mRNAs of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2), prostaglandin F2 receptor negative regulator, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, follicle-stimulating hormoneβ, somatostatin receptor 1, and interleukin-1β by bioinformatic analysis; similarly, the mRNAs of BMPR2 and leptin contained binding sites for miR-375, suggesting that these genes are affected by miR-7 or miR-375. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-7 regulated prostaglandin F2 receptor negative regulator expression, while miR-375 regulated BMPR2 expression. The mutated plasmid and miRNA mimics were used to co-transfect NIH3T3 cells; luciferase reporter assays showed that the inhibition of luciferase activity in the wild-type cells dramatically decreased from 75 to 26% with a 3-5-nucleotide mismatch mutation into the seed region of miR-7. miR-375 had nearly lost the ability to inhibit luciferase activity, suggesting that GTCTTCC is the site of interaction between miR-7 and the prostaglandin F2 receptor negative regulator sequence and that GAACAAA is the site of interaction between miR-375 and the BMPR2 sequence.

Development of novel and polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from Haliotis ovina

Twelve microsatellite loci were developed from Haliotis ovina by the magnetic bead hybridization method. Genetic variability was assessed using 30 individuals from 3 wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 5, and the polymorphism information content ranged from 0.1228 to 0.6542. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0000 to 0.7778 and 0.1288 to 0.6310, respectively. These loci should provide useful information for genetic studies such as genetic diversity, pedigree analysis, construction of genetic linkage maps, and marker-assisted selection breeding in H. ovina.

Meta-analysis on postoperative complications of wristband acupoint pressure therapy

Through searching database such as MEDLINE, CNKI, etc., this paper assesses the effect of wristband acupoint pressure, acting on the neiguan acupoint, to relieve postoperative complications of adults (mainly nausea and vomiting) using nine randomized controlled trials (RCT) and RevMan5.0. In the experimental group, acupoint pressure wristband effectively reduced the incidence rate of postoperative vomiting by acting on the neiguan point, compared to the placebo control group (RR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.37~0.66, P < 0.01). As to the incidence rate of postoperative nausea, there was no statistical significance between the experimental group and the placebo control group (RR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.72~1.00, P < 0.05). It was revealed that the application of acupoint pressure wristband on neiguan point in postoperative care could effectively relieve postoperative vomiting; while postoperative vomiting was not relieved distinctly. Therefore, researchers are required to carry out more reliable RCT test for further study and discussion, and nurses can bring in acupoint pressure wristband for researches on its effectiveness and adaptability.

Monoxides of small terbium clusters: a density functional theory investigation

To investigate the effect of oxygen atom on the geometrical structures, electronic, and magnetic properties of small terbium clusters, we carried out the first-principles calculations on TbnO (n = 1-14) clusters. The capping of an oxygen atom on one trigonal-facet of Tbn structures is always favored energetically, which can significantly improve the structural stability. The far-infrared vibrational spectroscopies are found to be different from those of corresponding bare clusters, providing a distinct signal to detect the characteristic structures of TbnO clusters. The primary effect of oxygen atom on magnetic properties is to change the magnetic orderings among Tb atoms and to reduce small of local magnetic moments of the O-coordinated Tb atoms, both of which serve as the key reasons for the experimental magnetic evolution of an oscillating behavior. These calculations are consistent with, and help to account for, the experimentally observed magnetic properties of monoxide TbnO clusters [C. N. Van Dijk et al., J. Appl. Phys. 107, 09B526 (2010)].

Expression, production, and renaturation of a functional single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) against human ICAM-1

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is an important factor in the progression of inflammatory responses in vivo. To develop a new anti-inflammatory drug to block the biological activity of ICAM-1, we produced a monoclonal antibody (Ka=4.19×10⁻⁸ M) against human ICAM-1. The anti-ICAM-1 single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) was expressed at a high level as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. We refolded the scFv (Ka=2.35×10⁻⁷ M) by ion-exchange chromatography, dialysis, and dilution. The results showed that column chromatography refolding by high-performance Q Sepharose had remarkable advantages over conventional dilution and dialysis methods. Furthermore, the anti-ICAM-1 scFv yield of about 60 mg/L was higher with this method. The purity of the final product was greater than 90%, as shown by denaturing gel electrophoresis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell culture, and animal experiments were used to assess the immunological properties and biological activities of the renatured scFv.

Emergence of antiferromagnetic ordering in Tbn (n = 2-33) clusters

Using the density functional theory (DFT) under both frameworks of the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), we show that the anomalous magnetic moment of Tbn (n = 2-20, 22, 33) clusters found in recent experiment [J. Appl. Phys. 2010, 107, 09B526] is due to the antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic couplings between Tb atoms in clusters. The local spin magnetic moment of Tb atoms is in the range 5.1-5.7 μ(B), which is faintly influenced by the cluster sizes, geometrical structures, and spin arrangements. Emphasis is made on the Tb13 cluster to eliminate the large magnetic discrepancy between the experiment and calculation. Geometrical evolution shows that the square-antiprism motif with one centered atom is competitive with the icosahedral motif for small Tb clusters n = 9-12, whereas the close packed icosahedral growth is clearly favored for large clusters n = 13-20, 22, 33. The clusters containing 4, 7, 10, 13, and 19 atoms are found to be more stable than their neighboring sizes, in agreement with the early mass spectral measurements. The electronic properties including the HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, ionization potentials, electron affinities, and electric dipole moments are calculated, and more importantly, the variational trends of the magnetic moment and electric dipole moment qualitatively fit well with the experimental observations.

Anatomical information for intercostobrachial nerve preservation in axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer

This study aimed to provide additional anatomical information for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) through in vivo anatomy studies of intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) preservation in order to provide theoretical and practical experience for clinicians. A total of 156 patients with breast cancer underwent ALND at the Department of Gynecology of Baotou Tumor Hospital between June 2009 and March 2010. The origin, destination, main source, length, branch type, and direction of ICBN in axilla were observed, as well as its relationship with adjacent major blood vessels and nerves within the axilla. There were 120 cases of single trunk, 23 cases of double trunks, 9 cases of multiple trunks, and 4 cases without trunks in 156 patients with ICBN preservation. The transverse diameter at the origin of the ICBN was 1.89 ± 0.44 mm with a length of 94.45 ± 12.08 mm; the distances were 77.19 ± 21.04 mm, 29.34 ± 6.73 mm, 90.04 ± 13.13 mm, and 28.63 ± 13.01 mm from origin to the inferior margin at the midpoint of the clavicle, inferior margin of the axillary vein, the bottom of axilla, and branch point, respectively. The identification, dissection, and preservation of ICBN was simple and easy in a modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer and breast-conserving surgery, which only took 10-20 min, but effectively reduced the incidence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome and significantly improved the quality of life for patients after surgery.

Butyrate promotes the recovering of intestinal wound healing through its positive effect on the tight junctions

Postweaning diarrhea is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in weanling piglets. Feeding sodium butyrate to weanling piglets decreased the incidence of diarrhea, but the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The present study was to evaluate the effect of sodium butyrate on diarrhea in relation to wound healing of intestinal barrier using IPEC-J2 cell model. Cultured cells were scratched to induce wound and then were treated with 4 mM sodium butyrate. The results showed that supplementation of the cells with sodium butyrate significantly promoted the process of wound healing, indicating the protective effects of butyrate on the intestinal mucosa. Butyrate treatment enhanced mRNA expression of the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins occludin and zonula occluden protein-1 (P < 0.05), which suggested that the promotion of wound healing by butyrate is related to the maintenance of the function of the intestinal barrier. In addition, in the butyrate-treated group, intestinal total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05), two of the main antioxidant enzymes, as well as glutathione (P < 0.05), one of the nonenzymatic antioxidant components, were enhanced whereas the malondialdehyde level, a marker of free radical mediated lipid peroxidation injury, was decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary sodium butyrate might, at least partly, play an important role in recovering the intestinal tight junctions having a positive effect on maintaining the gut integrity.

Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus fermentum I5007 improves the anti-oxidative activity of weanling piglets challenged with diquat

AIMS

To determine the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum I5007 on the redox state of piglets oxidatively stressed with diquat.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-four, 28-day-old barrows were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design experiment with the main effects being Lact. fermentum supplementation and diquat challenge. Half of the pigs (n = 12) were orally administered with 20 ml of a solution containing 10(8 ) CFU ml(-1) of Lact. fermentum each morning of the 21-day trial, while the remainder received saline. On day 8, these two groups were further subdivided so that half of the pigs in each group (n = 6) were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg kg(-1) BW diquat, while the remainder received saline. The diquat-injected pigs had significantly poorer performance and increased levels of plasma cortisol, adrenaline, carbonyl and malondialdehyde. Lactobacillus fermentum supplementation significantly increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione and increased the ability to inhibit superoxide anion production in liver and muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactobacillus fermentum improved the anti-oxidative defence system and alleviated damage caused by diquat.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Lactobacillus fermentum has the potential to alleviate oxidative stress and improve weaning pig performance.

Comparison of a paraspinal approach with a percutaneous approach in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with posterior ligamentous complex injury: a prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This prospective randomized controlled study compared the efficacy and safety of two paraspinal muscle-sparing surgical approaches for the management of neurologically intact patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and posterior ligamentous complex injuries.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to undergo either percutaneous (n=31) or paraspinal (n=30) fluoroscopically-guided pedicle screw-rod fixation, and were followed for ≥3 years. Preoperative postural reduction was attempted in all patients.

RESULTS

The percutaneous approach was associated with significantly less intraoperative blood loss and shorter duration of surgery and hospitalization, as well as less pain and better functional recovery at 3 months after surgery compared with the paraspinal approach. Paraspinal surgery resulted in significantly better correction of kyphosis and restoration of vertebral height compared with percutaneous surgery. There were no differences in long-term clinical outcomes between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimally invasive percutaneous approach appears to be better in cases of successful postural reduction. The paraspinal approach results in better surgical correction and is, therefore, recommended for patients without successful postural reduction.