[Clinical efficacy and safety analysis of 125I seed implantation in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ¹²⁵I seed implantation in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 36 patients who underwent CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation for mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer from August 2013 to April 2020 in three hospitals of the Northern radioactive particle implantation treatment collaboration group were retrospectively collected, including 24 males and 12 females, aged 46 to 84 years. Cox regression model was used to analyze the relationship between local control rate, survival rate and tumor stage, pathological type, postoperative D90, postoperative D100 and other variables, and to analyze the occurrence of complications. Results: The objective response rate of CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer was 75% (27/36), the median control time was 12 months, the 1-year local control rate was 47.2% (17/36), and the median survival time was 17 months. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 61.1% (22/36) and 22.2% (8/36) respectively. Univariate analysis showed that in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis with CT-guided ¹²⁵I implantation, factors related to local control included tumor stage (HR=5.246, 95%CI: 2.243-12.268, P<0.001), postoperative D90 (HR=0.191, 95%CI: 0.085-0.431, P<0.001), postoperative D100 (HR=0.240, 95%CI: 0.108-0.533, P<0.001); The factors affecting survival were tumor stage (HR=2.712, 95%CI: 1.356-5.425, P=0.005), postoperative D90 (HR=0.110, 95%CI: 0.041-0.294, P<0.001), postoperative D100 (HR=0.212, 95%CI: 0.092-0.489, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor stage (HR=5.305, 95%CI: 2.187-12.872, P<0.001) and postoperative D100 (HR=0.237, 95%CI: 0.099-0.568, P<0.001) were correlated with local control rate. Tumor stage (HR=2.347, 95%CI: 1.095-5.032, P=0.028) and postoperative D90 (HR=0.144, 95%CI: 0.051-0.410, P<0.001) were correlated with survival. In terms of complications, 9 of the 36 patients had pneumothorax, and 1 of them was cured by closed thoracic drainage for severe pneumothorax; 5 cases developed pulmonary hemorrhage and 5 cases developed hemoptysis, which recovered after hemostasis treatment. One case developed pulmonary infection and recovered after anti-inflammatory treatment. No radiation esophagitis and radiation pneumonia occurred; No grade 3 or higher complications occurred. Conclusion: ¹²⁵I seed implantation in the treatment of lung cancer mediastinal lymph node metastasis has a high local control rate and controllable adverse effects.

[Double-pulley combined with suture bridge technique for fixation of comminuted fractures of distal patella pole]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effect of double pulley combined with suture bridge in the treatment of comminuted fracture of the lower pole of the patella.

METHODS

From January 2018 to June 2020, 15 patients with comminuted fracture of the lower pole of the patella were treated with double pulley and suture bridge technology, including 9 males and 6 females, aged 28 to 68 years old with an average of (42.4±9.6) years old. All patients had obvious knee joint pain and limited movement after injury. All knee joints were examined by X-ray and CT, which confirmed that they were all comminuted fractures at the lower level of the patella. After operation, X-ray films of the knee joint were taken regularly to understand the fracture healing, the Insall Salvati index was measure, the range of motion of the joint was recorded, and the function of the knee joint was evaluateed by the Bostman scoring system.

RESULTS

All the 15 patients were followed up for 7 to 24 months with an average of (11.4±4.2) months, and there was no obvious anterior knee pain. At the last follow-up, the knee joint range of motion of the affected limb was 105° to 140° with an average of (128.5±12.8) °, and the Insall Salvati index was 0.79 to 1.12 with an average of (0.92±0.18). The X-ray film showed that the patella was bone healing, and no anchor fell off, broken, or displaced fracture block was found. Bostman patellar fracture function score was 27.85±2.06, 13 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good.

CONCLUSION

Double pulley technique combined with suture bridge technique is reliable for reduction and fixation of comminuted fracture of the lower pole of patella, and patients can start functional exercise early after operation.

MicroRNA-134 inhibits tumor stem cell migration and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinomas via downregulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by inhibiting LAMC2 expression

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the mouth. Some studies have found that multiple microRNAs (miRs) participate in OSCC physiological and pathological processes.

METHODS

We explored the mechanism of action of miR-134 in OSCC involving the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Different bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the potential genes and their related miRs in OSCC. Tumor stem cells were separated from OSCCs through magnetic cell sorting. Regulatory pattern between miR-134 and LAMC2 in OSCC was evaluated by ectopic expression, knockdown and reporter assay experiments. The expression of miR-134, LAMC2, genes in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and apoptosis-related genes was detected. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, cell invasion by scratch test, cell migration by Transwell assay, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, and cell growth and migration by xenograft tumor in nude mice. LAMC2 was predicted as the crucial factor related to OSCC using different chip data, and miR-134 was predicted to specifically bind LAMC2 in all five databases.

RESULTS

Overexpressed miR-134 or silenced LAMC2 was observed to inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion of OSCC cells, growth of subcutaneous xenograft in nude mice, as well as promote OSCC cell apoptosis. LAMC2, a target gene of miR-134, decreased following miR-134 promotion, while the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was inactivated following LAMC2 knockdown. Furthermore, we also observed that the effect of overexpressed miR-134 was enhanced when LAMC2 was knocked down.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-134-mediated direct downregulation of LAMC2 inhibits migration and invasion of tumor stem cells in OSCC by suppressing the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Transcriptome array screening and verification of oral leukoplakia carcinogenesis-related hypoxia-responsive gene and microRNA

OBJECTIVES

To study the hypoxia response gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the pathogenesis and progression of oral leukoplakia (OLK).

METHODS

Affymetrix GeneChip human transcriptome array 2.0 was used to detect the transcriptome of normal mucosa, low-risk OLK, high-risk OLK, and early squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Gene ontology function analysis was used to screen genes and key miRNAs whose biological role is hypoxia response. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase ch-ain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of hypoxia response genes and miRNAs.

RESULTS

A total of 7 different genes of hypoxia response between normal mucosa and low-risk OLK, 10 genes between low-risk and high-risk OLK, and 21 genes between high-risk OLK and SCC were identified. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, chemokine cc-motif ligand 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 mRNA and miR-21 in normal mucosa, OLK, and SCC increased in a stepwise manner. The expression difference between OLK and SCC was statistically significant and consistent with the results of transcriptome array.

CONCLUSIONS

The hypoxia response gene and related miRNA play roles in the development and progression of OLK.

Human papillomavirus genotypes and p16 expression in oral leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma

Several studies have shown a broad variation in the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral leukoplakia (OLK) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), whereas the relationship is less well-defined and specific HPV genotypes lack examination in OLK. In the present study, the role of HPV and surrogate p16 expression was investigated to explore the correlation and pathogenesis in OLK and OSCC. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow-through hybridization technology were utilized to detect HPV genotypes in oral exfoliated cells from 30 healthy volunteers, 103 OLK and 30 OSCC patients. Expression of p16 was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in biopsies from these OLK and OSCC, in addition to 15 normal oral mucosal tissues as the control group. The healthy controls showed 3.3% (1/30) HPV presence; In OLK and OSCC, the detection rate was 4.9% (5/103), 3.3% (1/30), respectively. No significant relationship between HPV and OLK or OSCC was observed when compared with the control group (P>0.05). All 6 HPV-positive OLK and OSCC cases had p16 overexpression. But the sensitivity of p16 IHC was poor, because 88.4% (38/43) of p16 over-expressed OLK were HPV negative. There was no statistical significance between HPV and the sex, age, site, alcohol consumption, or smoking. These findings suggested HPV had a low prevalence in OLK and OSCC. This suggests the detection of HPV genotypes by PCR in exfoliated cells combined with p16 IHC may be more accurate to represent HPV infection.

[Increased serum soluble-endoglin level and its clinical significance in antiphospholipid syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the serum levels of soluble endothelial glycoprotein endoglin (s-Eng) in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and to evaluate the correlation between s-Eng levels and clinical features and laboratory parameters.

METHODS

The levels of serum s-Eng were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 139 patients with APS, 44 patients with SLE but no APS, 37 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), 23 patients with Bechet's disease (BD), 22 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 22 persistent anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) positive individuals without SLE or APS (simply aCL positive group) and 87 health controls (HC) without any auto-immune diseases. These APS patients included 64 primary APS patients and 75 APS patients secondary to SLE.The correlation between the clinical data, laboratory parameters, and serum s-Eng levels were analyzed.Independent samples t test, paired t test, Chi-square Test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's χ² test were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

(1) The serum levels of s-Eng were significantly higher in the patients with APS whether primary or secondary to SLE than in the health controls and simply aCL positive group and the patients with other autoimmune diseases, including SLE, pSS, BD and SSc (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the serum s-Eng levels between simply aCL positive group and health controls [(5.17±2.00) mg/L vs. (5.04±1.11) mg/L, P>0.05]. (2) The best cut-off value for the diagnosis of APS was no less than 8.37 mg/L as mean ± 3SD value, with the sensitivity at 0.772 and the specificity at 0.928. The Youden index was 0.700. These results indicated good validity of s-Eng as a diagnostic marker for APS. (3) The proportions of artery thrombosis and pathological pregnancy were higher in the group of s-Eng-positive APS patients than that in s-Eng-negative group (46/81 vs. 19/58, 29/65 vs. 10/44, respectively, all P<0.05). The levels of PLT were lower in the group of s-Eng-positive APS patients (72.00×10⁹/L vs. 119.00×10⁹/L, P<0.001). (4) The proportions of the presence (93.83% vs. 37.93%, P<0.001) and titer (61.70 U/mL vs. 15.45 U/mL, P<0.001) of aCL were both higher in the group of s-Eng-positive APS patients than in s-Eng-negative group. The proportions of the presence (61.73% vs. 43.10%, P<0.05) and titer (33.48 U/mL vs.17.40 U/mL, P<0.05) of anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibody were both higher in the group of s-Eng-positive APS patients than in s-Eng-negative group too.

CONCLUSION

s-Eng serum levels were significantly increased in the patients with APS, and it may play a role as acomplementary serological marker for the diagnosis and risk prediction of APS.

[Increased serum C-C chemokine ligand 19 levels correlated with B cell abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the levels of serum C-C chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate the correlation between CCL19 expression and clinical features and laboratory parameters, trying to reveal the possible role of CCL19 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

METHODS

The levels of serum CCL19 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 90 patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls. These SLE patients included 75 patients who received treatment with glucocorticoids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and 15 patients without therapy. The frequencies of peripheral blood B cells and the B cell subsets were assessed in the patients with SLE by flow cytometry. The correlation between the clinical data, laboratory parameters, B cell subset frequencies and serum CCL19 levels were analyzed. Indepen-dent samples t test, paired t test, Pearson and Spearman correlation were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The levels of CCL19 were markedly higher in the SLE patients without therapy and the patients with therapy than in the health controls[(596.25±409.19) ng/L and (422.90±395.84) ng/L vs. (157.79±125.23) ng/L, all P<0.001]. Serum CCL19 levels in the SLE patients without therapy were higher than the SLE patients who accepted glucocorticoids and DMARD treatment (P<0.05). The levels of serum CCL19 were positively correlated with anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA), anti-nucleosome antibody (AnuA), IgA, IgG and IgM (r=0.38, P=0.007; r=0.332, P=0.029; r=0.519, P=0.007; r=0.461, P=0.018, respectively). Serum CCL19 levels in the SLE patients with photosensitivity, arthritis and secondary Sjögren's syndrome were higher than the SLE patients without photosensitivity, arthritis and secondary Sjögren's syndrome, respectively [(562.25±399.12) ng/L, (565.6±435.24) ng/L and (694.9±531.02) ng/L vs. (394.7±281.42) ng/L, (385.90±325.33) ng/L and (424.8±305.46) ng/L, all P<0.05]. The levels of serum CCL19 were positively correlated with the percentage of CD27-B cells and CD27-IgD-double-negative memory B cells (r=0.519, P=0.007; r=0.461, P=0.018, respectively). However, the levels of serum CCL19 were negatively correlated with the percentage of CD27⁺ memory B cells and CD27⁺IgD^- switched memory B cells (r=-0.433, P=0.027; r=-0.616, P=0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The increased serum CCL19 levels in SLE patients were associated with the production of autoantibodies, and CCL19 might be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE by disturbing the homeostasis of B cell subsets.

[Value of integrated pancreatic and biliary stents for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis]

Objective: To investigate the value of integrated pancreatic and biliary stents for prevention of post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. Methods: The clinical data of patients whom had pancreatic stents for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis from December 2013 to October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical effect and complication were compared between straight pancreatic stents group and integrated pancreatic and biliary stents group. Results: A total of 214 patients had pancreatic stents for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Among them, 139 of the patients received a straight pancreatic stents with the average operation time of 62.1±9.8 min and 75 patients received the integrated pancreatic and biliary stents with the average operation time of 67.2±12.7 min. The average operation time was statistically significantly different (P=0.001). Straight stents group was found to have higher incidence of pancreatic stents proximal migration and spontaneous abscission than integrated pancreatic and biliary stents group (8.6% vs 0, P=0.009; 12.9% vs 1.3%, P=0.004). There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute pancreatitis or hyperamylasemia between the two groups (3.6% vs 2.7%, P=1.000; 5.0% vs 4.0%, P=1.000). A total of 123 patients in the straight stents group received a second ERCP to remove the pancreatic stents in 1 to 8 weeks after ERCP, and 2 patients had acute pancreatitis and 3 patients had high amylase, while there was no complication happened after the remove of integrated pancreatic and biliary stents in one week after ERCP. Conclusion: The clinical effect of integrated pancreatic and biliary stents for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis is better than straight pancreatic stents.

[Clinical significance of serum C-C chemokine ligand 19 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serum level of C-C chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) and its clinical significance in rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

The serum CCL19 levels in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and health controls were detected by ELISA. The proportion of peripheral blood B cells and memory B cell subsets were also detected in some patients. Then the clinical and laboratory data of the patients were collected. The CCL19 levels in patients with different clinical features were analyzed. And the correlation between the clinical data, laboratory parameters, B cell subsets proportion and serum CCL19 levels were also analyzed. Independent samples t test, paired t test, Pearson and Spearman correlation were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of CCL19 was higher in the RA patients than the health controls (P<0.05). The serum CCL19 levels were decreased in the RA patients who accepted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) treatment for 6 months (P<0.001). Serum CCL19 levels were correlated with the titers of both rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody (r=0.42, P=0.002; r=0.33, P=0.013), but not with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) (P>0.05). The levels of CCL19 were higher in the serum positive (RF and anti-CCP antibody) patients, but there were no differences between low and high disease activity RA, as well as early and non-early RA. There was no correlation between the serum CCL19 levels and the proportion of B cells as well as memory B subsets. All the proportion of peripheral blood CD27+ memory B cell subsets in RA was lower than the healthy controls, including CD27+IgD+, CD27+IgD- and CD27+ B cells.

CONCLUSION

The increased serum CCL19 levels in RA patients are associated with the activity of B cells, so CCL19 might predict whether the RA type is a B cell mediated RA, and specify the treatment directions for the rheumatologist.

[Clinical significance of serum C-C chemokine ligand 19 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serum level of C-C chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) and its clinical significance in rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

The serum CCL19 levels in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and health controls were detected by ELISA. The proportion of peripheral blood B cells and memory B cell subsets were also detected in some patients. Then the clinical and laboratory data of the patients were collected. The CCL19 levels in patients with different clinical features were analyzed. And the correlation between the clinical data, laboratory parameters, B cell subsets proportion and serum CCL19 levels were also analyzed. Independent samples t test, paired t test, Pearson and Spearman correlation were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of CCL19 was higher in the RA patients than the health controls (P<0.05). The serum CCL19 levels were decreased in the RA patients who accepted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) treatment for 6 months (P<0.001). Serum CCL19 levels were correlated with the titers of both rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody (r=0.42, P=0.002; r=0.33, P=0.013), but not with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) (P>0.05). The levels of CCL19 were higher in the serum positive (RF and anti-CCP antibody) patients, but there were no differences between low and high disease activity RA, as well as early and non-early RA. There was no correlation between the serum CCL19 levels and the proportion of B cells as well as memory B subsets. All the proportion of peripheral blood CD27+ memory B cell subsets in RA was lower than the healthy controls, including CD27+IgD+, CD27+IgD- and CD27+ B cells.

CONCLUSION

The increased serum CCL19 levels in RA patients are associated with the activity of B cells, so CCL19 might predict whether the RA type is a B cell mediated RA, and specify the treatment directions for the rheumatologist.

Screening of differentially-expressed genes in the muscles of rabbit breeds with expression profile chip

The molecular mechanism underlying muscle development in rabbits is not well-understood. In the current study, differentially-expressed genes were scanned using an expression profile chip in New Zealand white rabbits (introduced breed) and Fujian yellow rabbits (local breed), and some of the genes were tested using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The amplification results were consistent with the microarray data. Fourteen and 13 genes involved in muscle development were identified in the dorsal longissimus and leg muscles, respectively. Myh6, Myh7, Myh7b, Myo5b, Tnnc1, Tpm3, and Acta2 were scanned in the longissimus and leg muscles. Thus, these genes may be involved in muscle fiber formation and muscle development in rabbits. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving meat quality, as well as for the future development and utilization of local meat rabbit breeds.

[Research progress of quantitative DNA analysis in oral carcinoma and precancerous lesions]

Normal individual cells had 23 pairs of chromosome and stable DNA content. DNA content was varied during malignant transformation, which was specific feature of tumor. Quantitative DNA analysis can reflect cellular physiological or pathological condition by nuclear DNA content, which had significant role in early diagnosis, predication of prognosis and treatment selection. This article summarized the research progress of quantitative DNA analysis in oral carcinoma and precancerous lesions in recent years.

[Locking plate percutaneous external fixation for the treatment of pediatric tibial fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To explore treatment effect of the locking plate percutaneous external fixation to tibial fractures.

METHODS

From July 2010 to February 2013, 8 cases with pediatric tibial fractures were treated by using unilateral locking plate percutaneous external fixation,including 6 males and 2 females with an average age of 7 years old ranging from 4 to 10. Among them, 5 cases were open fractures involving 1 case of Gustilo-Anderson type II, 3 cases of type III A, 1 case of type III B; and the other 3 cases were closed fractures involving 2 cases of AO type A3, 1 cases of type B2. The postoperative bone healing and gait impact were observed and the function was evaluated by Johner-Wruhs scores.

RESULTS

All fractures healed successfully without infection. The fracture healing time was from 3 to 6 months with an average of 3.9 months. The locking plate removal time was from 4 to 7 months with an average of 4.3 months. Among them, 7 cases were visually normal after walking with stand, 1 case of anterior tibial tendon defect affected gait. The results of Johner-Wruhs assessment were excellent in 7 cases, good in 1 case. No rub contralateral medial calf skin wounds occurenced.

CONCLUSION

The method is simple, stable and reliable. The fixation strength is suitable for children using locking plate percutaneous external fixation. The postoperative functional recovery was excellent and the walking gait was less affected. But the point of LCP pedicle screw should be carefully selected before installation with good skin coverage.

MicroRNA-155 in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Overexpression, localization, and prognostic potential

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy with poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cancer, but their role in OSCC is not clarified.

METHODS

We performed miRNA microarray, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to examine miRNA expression in OSCC and paired adjacent cancer-free mucosal (ACF) tissues.

RESULTS

Thirteen miRNAs, including miRNA-155, were upregulated (>2-fold) in OSCC against ACF. MiRNA-155 was confirmed to have significantly higher expression in OSCC against ACF (paired-samples t test; p = .041) and it was localized in the cancer nest, inflammatory area, and vascular endothelium of OSCC. High expression of miRNA-155 in ACF tissue was an independent prognostic indicator for OSCC survival.

CONCLUSION

MiRNA-155 was overexpressed in OSCC and it was located in the cancer nest, inflammatory area, and vascular endothelium of OSCC. High miRNA-155 expression level in ACF may predict poor prognosis in patients with OSCC.

EPHX1 Tyr113His and His139Arg polymorphisms in esophageal cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) is an important biological phase II metabolic enzyme that is extensively involved in the metabolism of diverse environmental carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines. Many articles have reported the association between EPHX1 (Tyr113His and His139Arg) polymorphisms and esophageal cancer risk, but the results are controversial. This study aimed to identify the association between EPHX1 (Tyr113His and His139Arg) polymorphisms and esophageal cancer risk by meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was used to evaluate the strength of the associations. Heterogeneity was estimated by the chi-square-based Q-statistic test and the P value. Meanwhile, the random-effect or fixed-effect model was used according to the between-study heterogeneity. Begg's funnel plot and the Egger test were performed to assess the publication bias of articles. Finally, 8 case-control studies involving 1158 cases and 1868 controls for the Tyr113His polymorphism and 7 case-control studies involving 901 cases and 1615 controls for the His139Arg polymorphism were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that the Tyr113His polymorphism was a stronger power trend towards risk for esophageal cancer using a recessive model (CC versus CT+TT, OR = 1.204, 95%CI = 1.001-1.450, P = 0.049). However, no significant associated risk was found between the His139Arg polymorphism and esophageal cancer. These findings suggest that the Tyr113His polymorphism might be a stronger power trend towards risk for esophageal cancer. However, no evidence was found for the association between the EPHX1 His139Arg polymorphism and esophageal cancer risk.

Application of acellular dermal matrix in reconstruction of oral mucosal defects in 36 cases

PURPOSE

Artificial grafts have been investigated for use in the repair of oral mucosal defects. The aim of this retrospective study was to present the outcomes of the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafts to repair oral mucosal defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 36 patients with oral mucosal defects reconstructed with ADM grafts from 2003 through 2009 were reviewed. All patients were followed-up for at least 6 months to observe the graft repair, wound-healing time, contracture, color, infection, pain, immunologic reaction, texture of the graft, and clinical course. Graft success was defined as the ADM graft being replaced by new mucosa-like tissue and the oral mucosal defect being covered with the new mucosa-like tissue. Any evidence of incomplete graft re-epithelialization or graft sloughing was considered a graft failure (complete or incomplete).

RESULTS

Of the 36 cases, 34 grafts (94.4%) were successfully replaced with new mucosa-like tissues and only 2 grafts (5.6%) failed. No complaints such as pain, immunologic reaction, or infection were observed during the follow-up. Mild graft contraction occurred in 7 patients with lip or buccal defects, especially at approximately 3 to 5 weeks after the reconstructive surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The ADM grafts for oral mucosal defects were safe and effective. The present data support the clinical application of ADM grafts in reconstructing oral mucosal defects caused by various oral diseases.

Upregulation of miR-31* is negatively associated with recurrent/newly formed oral leukoplakia

BACKGROUND

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. However, the underlying mechanism of OLK is still unclear. In this study, we explore possible miRNAs involved in OLK.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Using miRNA microarrays, we profiled miRNA expression in OLK and malignantly transformed OLK (mtOLK) tissue samples. The upregulation of miR-31*, miR-142-5p, miR-33a, miR-1259, miR-146b-5p, miR-886-3p, miR-886-5p, miR-519d, and miR-301a along with the downregulation of miR-572, miR-611, miR-602, miR-675, miR-585, miR-623, miR-637, and miR-1184 in mtOLK were new observations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses confirmed that miR-31* is highly expressed in mtOLK. There was a significant difference between the FISH score (p<0.05) in patients with or without recurrent/newly formed OLK. Functional analyses demonstrated that a miR-31* inhibitor decreased apoptosis in the Leuk-1, which is an immortalized oral epithelial cell line spontaneously derived from an oral leukoplakia lesion. miR-31* regulated apoptosis, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the HOIEC, which is a HPV E6/E7-immortalized oral epithelial cell line. Furthermore, miR-31* modulated the biological functions of apoptosis, cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion in the oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, Cal-27. Using bioinformatic analyses and dual luciferase reporter assays, we determined that the 3' untranslated region of fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) is the target of miR-31*. Expression of FGF3 was downregulated or upregulated in the presence of a miR-31* mimic or inhibitor, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Upregulation of miR-31* is negatively associated with recurrent/newly formed OLK. MiR-31* may exert similar but distinguishable effects on biological function in oral cells with different malignant potential. FGF3 is the target of miR-31*. miR-31* may play an important role during OLK progression through regulating FGF3. MiRNA* strands may also have prominent roles in oral carcinogenesis.

Expression of podoplanin and ABCG2 in oral erythroplakia correlate with oral cancer development

Oral erythroplakia (OE) is a notoriously aggressive oral premalignant lesion with a high tendency to oral cancer development, but it's biological behavior is largely unknown. The objective of the current study was to determine podoplanin and ABCG2 immunoexpression in OE and both correlation to malignant transformation of OE. In a retrospective follow-up study, the expression patterns of podoplanin and ABCG2 were determined using immunohistochemistry in samples from 34 patients with OE, including patients with untransformed lesions (n=17) and patients with malignant transformed lesions (n=17). Podoplanin and ABCG2 expression was observed in 15 (44.1%) and 21 (61.8%) of 34 patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that podoplanin and ABCG2 expression was associated with 6.31-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-38.92; P=0.047) and 14.39-fold (95% CI, 2.02-102.29; P=0.008) increased the risk of transformation, respectively. Point prevalence analysis revealed that 90.9% (95% CI, 70.7-100) of the patient with both podoplanin and ABCG2 positivity developed oral cancer. Collectively, our data indicated that the expression patterns of podoplanin and ABCG2 in OE were associated with oral cancer development, suggesting that podoplanin and ABCG2 may be valuable predictors for evaluating oral cancer risk.

Oral cancer development in patients with leukoplakia--clinicopathological factors affecting outcome

BACKGROUND

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is the best-known potentially malignant disorder. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the clinicopathological factors predictive of outcome in a large cohort of patients with OL, and report our experience in the early detection of malignant events.

METHODS

A total of 320 patients with biopsy-proven OL were retrospectively reviewed from the study institution who had a mean follow-up of 5.1 years. Data on patient and lesion at initial diagnosis and patient underwent sequential biopsies were reviewed. Multiple biopsies indicates > = 3 times sequential biopsies. Oral cancer-free survival rate (OCFS) was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and significant factors were identified by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

The 3-year and 5-year OCFS was 86.6% and 82.0%, respectively. A new binary system of grading oral dysplasia was performed and Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that high-grade dysplasia had significantly higher malignant incidence than low-grade dysplasia (5-year OCFS, 90.5% vs 59.0%; P<0.001), especially during the first 2-3 years of follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that the 4 factors including patient aged >60 years, lesion located at lateral/ventral tongue, non-homogenous lesion, high-grade dysplasia were independent significant indicators for OL malignant transformation. In addition, significant positive correlation between the multiple biopsies and these 4 factors and malignant outcome was established.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with OL located at lateral/ventral tongue and who had non-homogenous lesion with high-grade dysplasia correlated much higher risk of transformation. This high-risk subpopulation was suggested to undergo sequential biopsies and histologic examination contributing to early detection of malignant event.

A clinicopathological study on verrucous hyperplasia and verrucous carcinoma of the oral mucosa

BACKGROUND

Oral verrucous hyperplasia (VH) and verrucous carcinoma (VC) are two clinicopathologically distinctive oral verrucous lesions. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of the two verrucous lesions and estimate their relationship from China.

METHODS

Retrospective review of two series of patients with histologically confirmed VH (n = 121) and VC (n = 56) between 1996 and 2009 in our hospital were conducted.

RESULTS

The average age of VH was 58.5 years (ratio male:female = 1.37) with the tongue being the predominant site. The average age of VC was 64.3 years (ratio male:female = 1.15) with the lower lip being the predominant site. Multivariate analysis revealed that the elderly patient with verrucous lesion (≥60 years) was associated with 3.06-fold (P = 0.007) increased carcinoma risk compared with the non-elderly patient. The lesion located on lower lip was associated with 13.54-fold (P < 0.001) increased carcinoma risk compared with other sites.

CONCLUSION

Clinicopathological features of VH and VC in China were elucidated. Elderly patient with oral verrucous lesion located on the lower lip correlates with higher risk of carcinoma.

[Hemodynamics following + Gz stress in dog]

AIM

To investigate the character of hemodynamics following + Gz stress in dog.

METHODS

Nine anesthesia dogs were exposed to 5, 7 and 9 + Gz stress, 90 s at peak G. Each animal was instrumented to measure left ventricular pressure, thoracic aorta pressure, iliac arterial pressure,common carotid artery flow (CCAF) and ECG.

RESULTS

(1) Heart rate, CCAF and blood pressure at any place increased. They were greater than those before + Gz stress (P < 0.05). (2) There were much more arrhythmias following high + Gz stress. Most of arrhythmias were junctional premature beats, ventricular premature beats. 80% arrhythmias occurred within 3 min following + Gz stress. (3) Blood pressure appeared the highest in the second min following + Gz stress.

CONCLUSION

Great hemodynamic disturbance happened following high + Gz stress. There might were reperfusion arrhythmias. Protective measures should been noted following high + Gz stress.

Rapid nongenomic effect of corticosterone on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in PC12 cells

The effects of corticosterone, a natural glucocorticoid of rat, on the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced current (I(ACh)) were studied in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells by using whole-cell clamp technique. The I(ACh) proved to be generated through neuronal nicotinic receptor. ACh (30 microM) induced an inward current at a holding potential of -80 mV. When cells were preincubated with corticosterone (0.1-100 microM) for 4 min, an inhibitory effect of corticosterone on the peak of I(ACh) was found. This effect was reversible, concentration-dependent, and voltage-independent. Intracellular application of corticosterone through the patch electrode did not affect the I(ACh). Extracellular application of 10 microM corticosterone neither shifted the dose-response curve of the peak I(ACh) to the right (dissociation constant (K(d)) = 16.5 microM) nor affected its coefficient (1.8) but inhibited the curve amplitudes by approximately 49% in the cells pretreated with corticosterone for 4 min. Bovine serum albumin-conjugated corticosterone (0.1-10 microM) had the inhibition similar to corticosterone. The inhibitor of transcription, actinomycin D (10 microM), and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (50 microM), had no effect on the inhibition induced by corticosterone on I(ACh). These results suggest that corticosterone has rapid inhibitory effect on I(ACh) in PC12 cells, which is mediated by a nongenomic mechanism. It indicates that corticosterone binds to the specific site on the outer cell membrane, probably on the neuronal nicotinic receptor-coupled channel, and inhibits the I(ACh) in a noncompetitive manner, thus controlling the immediate catecholamine release from the sympathetic cells.

[Simultaneously analysis of 15 parameters in the patients with the liver-blood deficiency syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

Using HPLC-ED or RIA, we determined simultaneously 15 indexes in 27 patients with the liver-blood deficiency syndrome (LDBD). By means of multivarivate hierarchical cluster analysis and selections of typical variate, the results showed that 15 indexes were classified into 5 groups, and the typical variates of each groups were NE, T3, TXB2, ALD and cGMP. It suggests that LBDS has some pathopysiological characteristics such as decreased functions of sympathetic nerve activation, lower T3 syndrome, imbalance of the active substance regulating cardiovascular function and metabolism of salt and water, and abnormalities second signal substance in cellular membrane.

Effect of forskolin on acetylcholine-induced current in rat pheochromocytoma cells

AIM

To study the effect of forskolin on the nicotinic receptor (NicR) of PC12 cells.

METHODS

The acetylcholine (ACh)-induced current (IACh) was measured on PC12 cells by whole-cell clamp technique.

RESULTS

The IACh could be blocked by d-tubocurarine chloride and atropine had no effect on IACh. Infusion of forskolin (1-50 mumol.L-1) caused an inhibition on IACh, which was reversible, concentration-dependent, and voltage-independent. Preincubation with 8-bromo-adenosine-3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP), a cell-permeable cAMP analog which preferentially activated cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (CADPK), for 20 min, did not affect the IACh and the inhibitory effect of forskolin. Infusion of 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, an analog of forskolin which did not activate adenyl cyclase, also caused an inhibition on IACh.

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effect of forskolin on IACh in PC12 cells is not mediated by activating the adenyl cyclase. Probably, the lipophilic forskolin acts via perturbing the plasma membrane lipid structure and altering the function of the NicR.

[Cardiovascular response to high sustained +Gz stress in dogs]

Objective. To investigate features of electrocardiography (ECG) and arterial pressure in dog during and after +Gz stress. Method. Six anesthetized dogs were catheterized for the measurement of ascending aortic pressure (AP) and common iliac arterial pressure (CIAP). A lead of ECG was monitored continuously. Then, dogs were placed supine in rotatable platform on one arm of an 1.7 m radius centrifuge. The animals were exposed serially to acceleration profiles of up to +7 Gz, consisting of a slow onset to peak acceleration, 90 s peak G, and a rapid decline back to control. A recovery time of at least 20 min was allowed after each acceleration profile. Result. (1) The amplitude of P-wave was influenced by the magnitude of the acceleration (2.3 +/- 0.2 mV at rest vs. 4.5 +/- 0.5 mV at +3 Gz, 4.8 +/- 0.3 mV at +5 Gz and 5.3 +/- 0.7 mV at +7 Gz, respectively P<0.05). (2) It appeared that arterial mean pressure increased and pulse pressure decreased in CIAP during high +Gz stress. (3) AP increased greatly after +Gz stress (17.29 +/- 5.59/11.31 +/- 3.86 kPa at rest vs. 27.53 +/- 6.12/20.62 +/- 1.86 kPa 30s after +7 Gz P<0.01). Conclusion. (1) The change of the amplitude of P-wave reflected the atrial displacement which may be the reason of arrhythmia. (2) The perfusion pressure is an important physiological parameter to the cardiovascular dysfunction during high +Gz stress. (3) Greatly higher AP after +Gz stress could be a feature of vascular exhaustion.

[Rapid inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on ACh-induced current in rat phaeochromocytoma cells]

A rapid effect of glucocorticoids (GC) on acetycholine-induced current in rat phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells and its possible mechanism were investigated by whole-cell clamp technique. The results are as follows: The acetylcholine-induced current (IACh) of PC12 cells was proved to be generated through nicotinic ACh receptor by pharmacological identification. ACh (30 mumol/L) induced an inward current at a holding potential (Vh) of -80 mV. The inhibitory effect of corticosterone (B) on IACh was weak when 10(-5) mol/L B and ACh were simultaneously applied extracellularly. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with B could augment the inhibitory effect on peak IACh, and this dose-dependent effect was reversible. At the same concentration of GC, the rank of the inhibitory potency was B > dexamethasone (Dex) > hydrocortisone (F). Extracellular application of B-BSA could also inhibit IACh rapidly. Taken together, it is suggested that GC induced rapid inhibitory effects on IACh in PC12 cells are probably mediated by a nongenomic mechanism. The inhibitory effect of various GC on IACh are different.

[The molecular cloning of mouse centromeric DNA (SFA-DNA)]

The centromeric DNA (SFA-DNA) isolated from enriched mouse centromeric preparation has been cloned. The vector adopted for the cloning was ELBL3. About two thousand clones were obtained. The average size of the SFA-DNA inserts was estimated by measuring the inserts obtained from a mixture of 20 radomly picked clones. It was found that the average size of the SFA-DNA inserts is approximately 14 Kb.

[The study of metaphasic chromosome pellicle]

Among 12 antichromosome antisera from scleroderma patients, four were found to be the antisera against the pellicle of metaphase chromosomes. Western blotting with these sera were achieved on the protein bands resolved by SDS-PAGE of the whole cell lysate and nuclear lysate of the ascites cells. The result showed 11 bands of the nuclear lysate reacted with antisera. Moreover, additional 8 were obtained in the whole cell lysate.

[Studies on the centrosome antiserum from a scleroderma patient]

Using ascites cells as screening system and by means of indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, several antisera against centrosome from scleroderma patients were discovered. Since centrosome is chemically complex cellular structure and the autoimmune antiserum is polyclonal, further investigation was made using one of the antisera against centrosome. L929 cultured cells were also employed for the antigen localisation. It was found that the antiserum decorated microtubules, mitotic spindle, centrosome as well as some nuclear structure. Immunoblots of the cell lysate with the antiserum revealed that in addition to the main bands of tubulin there were several less distinct bands. This result confirmed the indirect immunofluorescence observation.

[Fluorescent in situ hybridization of enriched SFA-DNA on pachytene chromosomes in mouse]

In the present study, the primary constrictions of mouse pachytene chromosomes stained with Hoechst 33258, and those stained by indirect immunofluorescence method with CREST antiserum were compared with those hybridized by the probe DNA isolated from the enriched mouse spindle fiber attachments. It was found that the DNA probe hybridized not only with the centromeric regions on synaptonema complexes but also with the DNA of pericentromeric heterochromatin of all autosomes. Moreover, the DNA probe hybridized also with the centromeric regions of both X and Y chromosomes. It was concluded that the DNA isolated from the enriched mouse spindle fiber attachments contains a complete set of the centromeric DNAs of all autosomes, X and Y chromosomes.

[The characteristic of the spindle fiber attachment (SFA) enriched fraction from mouse nuclei]

The characteristics of the particulate mouse centromere enriched fraction from isolated nuclei obtained in our laboratory were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence, test of the activity of microtubule organizing center (MTOC), SDS-PAGE, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Most of the particles of the fraction are complexes of DNA and kinetochore proteins and show MTOC activity. The DNA isolated from the fraction hybridizes the DNA in the regions of the primary constrictions of all chromosomes of ascite cells. The kinetochore proteins of the proteins isolated from the fraction are mainly those with molecular weight of 55 and 59 KD. It is evident that the fraction obtained is a centromere enriched nuclear fraction as indicated in our previous report.

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in young students of southern China: relation to respiratory symptoms, diagnosed asthma, and risk factors

A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma in 3067 students aged 11-17 years in an urban and a rural area of Guangzhou (Canton), China. The methods used included a self administered questionnaire, a histamine bronchial provocation test, and allergen skinprick tests. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was defined as a 20% fall in FEV1 and peak expiratory flow at a provoking dose of histamine (PD20) less than 7.8 mumol on two occasions four weeks apart. The response rate was 98.0% and 99.2% in the two areas. The prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness was 4.1% and of diagnosed asthma 2.4% in the total population. There were no significant differences in prevalence between the urban and the rural area or between boys and girls. The 11-12 year group had a higher prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (7.6%) than the older groups. Of the 125 with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, 12.0% were defined as having severe or moderate (PD20 less than 0.8 mumol), 26% mild (0.9-3.2 mumol), and 62% slight bronchial hyperresponsiveness (3.3-7.8 mumol). The severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness was closely related to diagnosed asthma, wheezing, and cough, though half the students with bronchial hyperresponsiveness were symptom free. The most common allergens were house dust and house dust mite in the city, and hay dust, pollen, and feathers in the rural area. The odds ratios for having respectively slight, mild or moderate, and severe bronchial hyperresponsiveness were 5.9, 21.0, and 30.4 for atopy; 1.9, 1.9, and 7.3 for early respiratory infection; and 3.1, 2.5, and 5.6 for a history of parental asthma.

Enrichment of the spindle fiber attachments from mouse liver cell nuclei

Spindle fiber attachments (SFAs) were enriched in a fraction of nuclei isolated from mouse livers. The enrichment method combines sonication, treatment with 2 mol/L NaCl and high speed centrifugation. SFA was enriched 27-fold on the average (n = 4) when measured by radioimmunoassay. The basic method offers opportunities for further increases of yield and for the enrichment of SFA of other vertebrates.

Involvement of a nucleolar component, perichromonucleolin, in the condensation and decondensation of chromosomes

A component of the nucleolar material, perichromonucleolin (PCN), was identified by a specific antiserum against nucleoli obtained from a scleroderma patient. The distribution and changes of PCN during the mitotic cycle were followed using this antiserum and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Based upon the behavior of PCN during mitosis, it could be differentiated into chromosomal and nonchromosomal portions. During prophase the former gradually associates with the surface of the condensing chromosomes and forms the coat or pellicle around the metaphase and anaphase chromosomes. This pellicle PCN is carried by the anaphase chromosomes to the daughter nuclei. During the time from telophase to interphase, the pellicle PCN dissociates from the decondensing chromosomes and is incorporated into the new nucleoli. The nonchromosomal PCN, after the breakdown of the nuclear membrane, distributes in the cytoplasmic region around the condensed chromosomes and diffuses into the cytoplasm during anaphase. Preliminary biochemical analysis by immunoblotting showed that the PCN consists of two main proteins with molecular masses of 36 kDa and 30 kDa.

The demonstration of the spindle fiber attachments in the amphibian liver and sperm nuclei by the sera from scleroderma patients

The isolated liver nuclei and the mature sperm nuclei from Rana nigromaculata and Bufo bufo asiaticus had been investigated by indirect immunofluorescence method with anti serum specific to the spindle fiber attachments (SFAs) from the scleroderma patients with CREST syndrome. It was found that in the isolated liver nuclei and the mature sperm nuclei of these animals there are discrete speckles which bind the antibody specific to the SFAs. The maximum number of these speckles counted in a single sperm nuclei of the frog corresponds with the haploid chromosome number of this animal (n = 13). The haploid chromosome complement of the toad is 11 and the maximum number of the speckles counted in a single sperm nucleus of this species is also 11. These findings suggest that the scleroderma serum can be used to identify the SFAs of the amphibias and the antigens of SFAs are conserved in the mature sperms of these animals. The implication of these conclusions is discussed.

Effect of heterospecific DNA on the development of Rana nigromaculata

Both the DNA of a balancer-bearing species (Cynops orientalis) and that of a non-balancer-bearing species (Rana nigromaculata), when injected into the fertilized eggs of R. nigromaculata, cause some tadpoles derived from the injected eggs to bear a single balancer-like process on the left operculum. Based upon these results, it may be so concluded that the occurrence of the balancer-like process in the tadpole is neither due to genetic transformation, nor due to balancer induction, but rather due to a non-specific developmental effect of DNA.