Engineering highly efficient NIR-II FRET platform for Background-Free homogeneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in whole blood

Förster or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) enables to probe biomolecular interactions, thus playing a vital role in bioassays. However, conventional FRET platforms suffer from limited sensitivity due to the low FRET efficiency and poor anti-interference of existing FRET pairs. Here we report a NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) FRET platform with extremely high FRET efficiency and exceptional anti-interference capability. This NIR-II FRET platform is established based on a pair of lanthanides downshifting nanoparticles (DSNPs) by employing Nd³⁺ doped DSNPs as an energy donor and Yb³⁺ doped DSNPs as an energy acceptor. The maximum FRET efficiency of this well-engineered NIR-II FRET platform reaches up to 92.2%, which is much higher than most commonly used ones. Owing to the all-NIR advantage (λ_ex = 808 nm, λ_em = 1064 nm), this highly efficient NIR-II FRET platform exhibits extraordinary anti-interference in whole blood, and thus enabling background-free homogeneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in clinical whole blood sample with high sensitivity (limit of detection = 0.5 μg/mL) and specificity. This work opens up new opportunities for realizing highly sensitive detection of various biomarkers in biological samples with severe background interference.

Accuracy and reliability of tele-ultrasonography in detecting gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy and interobserver agreement of tele-ultrasonography for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals by radiologists with different levels of experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study including dogs and cats admitted with gastrointestinal signs, between 2017 and 2019, that had abdominal ultrasonographic (US) examination performed and images saved for review. Patients were classified into two categories based on final diagnosis: animals with or without complete or partial gastrointestinal obstruction. Observers with four experience levels interpreted the archived ultrasound examinations, simulating a tele-ultrasonography consultation. Analyses of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were obtained for each observer for detection of gastrointestinal obstruction. Agreement between observers for the gastrointestinal obstruction diagnosis was assessed using Fleiss's Kappa statistics.

RESULTS

Ninety patients with gastrointestinal signs were included. Of these, 23 of 90 had partial or complete gastrointestinal obstruction. Interpretation of the images by observers via tele-ultrasonography showed intervals of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, respectively, of 78.9% to 87.8%, 73.9% to 100%, 77.6% to 89.6%, 55.9% to 70.8% and 90.9% to 100% for diagnosis of gastrointestinal obstruction. Agreement for the gastrointestinal obstruction diagnosis across all reviewers was moderate (Kappa 0.6).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Tele-ultrasonography had good accuracy for detection of gastrointestinal obstruction, however had a rather low positive predictive value and only moderate interobserver agreement. Therefore, this technique should be used with caution in this clinical context, given the potential surgical decision at hand.

Clinical characteristics and host immunity responses of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant BA.2 with deletion of ORF7a, ORF7b and ORF8

BACKGROUND

The pathogenicity and virulence of the Omicron strain have weakened significantly pathogenesis of Omicron variants. Accumulating data indicated accessory proteins play crucial roles in host immune evasion and virus pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the impact of simultaneous deletion of accessory protein ORF7a, ORF7b and ORF8 on the clinical characteristics and specific immunity in Omicron breakthrough infected patients (BIPs) need to be verified.

METHODS

Herein, plasma cytokines were identified using a commercial Multi-cytokine detection kit. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and pseudovirus neutralization assays were utilized to determine the titers of SARS-CoV-2 specific binding antibodies and neutralizing antibodies, respectively. In addition, an enzyme-linked immunospot assay was used to quantify SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells and memory B cells.

RESULTS

A local COVID-19 outbreak was caused by the Omicron BA.2 variant, which featured a deletion of 871 base pairs (∆871 BA.2), resulting in the removal of ORF7a, ORF7b, and ORF8. We found that hospitalized patients with ∆871 BA.2 had significantly shorter hospital stays than those with wild-type (WT) BA.2. Plasma cytokine levels in both ∆871 BA.2 and WT BA.2 patients were within the normal range of reference, and there was no notable difference in the titers of SARS-CoV-2 ancestor or Omicron-specific binding IgG antibodies, neutralizing antibody titers, effector T cells, and memory B cells frequencies between ∆871 BA.2 and WT BA.2 infected adult patients. However, antibody titers in ∆871 BA.2 infected adolescents were higher than in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The simultaneous deletion of ORF7a, ORF7b, and ORF8 facilitates the rapid clearance of the BA.2 variant, without impacting cytokine levels or affecting SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral and cellular immunity in Omicron-infected individuals.

Handheld NIR-to-NIR Platform for on-site evaluating protective neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain and Omicron variant after vaccination or infection

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are promising points-of-care tests, playing a vital role in diseases screening, diagnosis and surveillance. However, development of portable, cheap, and smart LFAs platform for sensitive and accurate quantification of disease biomarkers in complex media is challenging. Here, a cheap handheld device was developed to realize on-site detection of disease biomarkers by Nd³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped near-infrared (NIR)-to-NIR downconversion nanoparticles (DCNPs) based LFA. Its sensitivity is at least 8-fold higher for detecting NIR light signal from Nd³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped nanoparticles than conventional expensive InGaAs camera based detection platform. Additionally, we enhance NIR quantum yield of Nd³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped nanoparticles up to 35.5% via simultaneous high dopant of sensitizer ions Nd³⁺ and emitter ions Yb³⁺. Combination of NIR-to-NIR handheld detection device and ultra-bright NIR emitting NaNbF₄:Yb60%@NaLuF₄ nanoparticle probe allows the detection sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain and Omicron variants specific neutralizing antibodies LFA up to the level of commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. Furthermore, by this robust method, enhanced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain and Omicron variants are observed in healthy participants with Ad5-nCoV booster on top of two doses of inactivated vaccine. This NIR-to-NIR handheld platform provides a promising strategy for on-site evaluating protective humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection.

Immunity against Delta and Omicron variants elicited by homologous inactivated vaccine booster in kidney transplant recipients

Background

A third mRNA vaccine booster is recommended to improve immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Ancestral strain and Delta and Omicron variants elicited by the third dose of inactivated booster vaccine in KTRs remains unknown.

Methods

The blood parameters related to blood cells count, hepatic function, kidney function, heart injury and immunity were explored clinically from laboratory examinations. SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody IgG titer was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cellular immunity was analyzed using interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay.

Results

The results showed that there were no severe adverse effects and apparent changes of clinical laboratory biomarkers in KTRs and healthy volunteers (HVs) after homologous inactivated vaccine booster. A third dose of inactivated vaccine booster significantly increased anti-Ancestral-spike-trimer-IgG and anti-Ancestral-receptor binding domain (RBD)-IgG titers in KTRs and HVs compared with the second vaccination. However, the anti-Delta-RBD-IgG and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG titers were significantly lower than anti-Ancestral-RBD-IgG titer in KTRs and HVs after the third dose. Notably, only 25.6% (10/39) and 10.3% (4/39) of KTRs had seropositivity for anti-Delta-RBD-IgG and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG after booster, which were significantly lower than HVs (anti-Delta-RBD-IgG: 100%, anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG: 77.8%). Ancestral strain nucleocapsid protein and spike specific T cell frequency after booster was not significantly increased in KTRs compared with the second dose, significantly lower than that in HVs. Moreover, 33.3% (12/36), 14.3% (3/21) and 14.3% (3/21) of KTRs were positive for the Ancestral strain and Delta and Omicron spike-specific T cells, which were significantly lower than HVs (Ancestral: 80.8%, Delta: 53.8%, and Omicron: 57.7%).

Conclusions

A third dose of inactivated booster vaccine may significantly increase humoral immunity against the Ancestral strain in KTRs, while humoral and cellular immunity against the Delta and Omicron variants were still poor in KTRs.

Omicron variants breakthrough infection elicited higher specific memory immunity than third dose booster in healthy vaccinees

Homologous booster, heterologous booster, and Omicron variants breakthrough infection (OBI) could improve the humoral immunity against Omicron variants. Questions concerning about memory B cells (MBCs) and T cells immunity against Omicron variants, features of long-term immunity, after booster and OBI, needs to be explored. Here, comparative analysis demonstrate antibody and T cell immunity against ancestral strain, Delta and Omicron variants in Omicron breakthrough infected patients (OBIPs) are comparable to that in Ad5-nCoV boosted healthy volunteers (HVs), higher than that in inactivated vaccine (InV) boosted HVs. However, memory B cells (MBCs) immunity against Omicron variants was highest in OBIPs, followed by Ad5-nCoV boosted and InV boosted HVs. OBIPs and Ad5-nCoV boosted HVs have higher classical MBCs and activated MBCs, and lower naïve MBCs and atypical MBCs relative to both vaccine boosted HVs. Collectively, these data indicate Omicron breakthrough infection elicit higher MBCs and T cells against SARS-CoV-2 especially Omicron variants relative to homologous InV booster and heterologous Ad5-nCoV booster.

Ad5-nCoV booster and Omicron variant breakthrough infection following two doses of inactivated vaccine elicit comparable antibody levels against Omicron variants

Little information is available for antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern induced by Omicron breakthrough infection and a third booster with an inactivated vaccine (InV) or Ad5-nCoV in people with completion of two InV doses. Plasma was collected from InV pre-vaccinated Omicron-infected patients (OIPs), unvaccinated OIPs between 0 and 22 days, and healthy donors (HDs) 14 days or 6 months after the second doses of an InV and 14 days after a homogenous booster or heterologous booster of Ad5-nCoV. Anti-Wuhan-, Anti-Delta-, and Anti-Omicron-receptor binding domain (RBD)-IgG titers were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. InV pre-vaccinated OIPs had higher anti-Wuhan-, anti-Delta-, and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG titers compared to unvaccinated OIPs. Anti-Wuhan-RBD-IgG titers sharply increased in InV pre-vaccinated OIPs 0-5 days postinfection (DPI), while the geometric mean titers (GMTs) of anti-Delta- and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG were 3.3-fold and 12.0-fold lower. Then, the GMT of anti-Delta- and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG increased to 35 112 and 28 186 during 11-22 DPI, about 2.6-fold and 3.2-fold lower, respectively, than the anti-Wuhan-RBD-IgG titer. The anti-Wuhan-, anti-Delta-, and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG titers declined over time in HDs after two doses of an InV, with 25.2-fold, 5.6-fold, and 4.5-fold declination, respectively, at 6 months relative to the titers at 14 days after the second vaccination. Anti-Wuhan-, anti-Delta-, and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG titers elicited by a heterologous Ad5-nCoV booster were significantly higher than those elicited by an InV booster, comparable to those in InV pre-vaccinated OIPs. InV and Ad5-nCoV boosters could improve humoral immunity against Omicron variants. Of these, the Ad5-nCoV booster is a better alternative.

[Surgical site infection after abdominal surgery in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study]

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) can markedly prolong postoperative hospital stay, aggravate the burden on patients and society, even endanger the life of patients. This study aims to investigate the national incidence of SSI following abdominal surgery and to analyze the related risk factors in order to provide reference for the control and prevention of SSI following abdominal surgery. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical data of all the adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery in 68 hospitals across the country from June 1 to 30, 2020 were collected, including demographic characteristics, clinical parameters during the perioperative period, and the results of microbial culture of infected incisions. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI within postoperative 30 days, and the secondary outcomes were ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, cost of hospitalization and the mortality within postoperative 30-day. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors of SSI after abdominal surgery. Results: A total of 5560 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were included, and 163 cases (2.9%) developed SSI after surgery, including 98 cases (60.1%) with organ/space infections, 19 cases (11.7%) with deep incisional infections, and 46 cases (28.2%) with superficial incisional infections. The results from microbial culture showed that Escherichia coli was the main pathogen of SSI. Multivariate analysis revealed hypertension (OR=1.792, 95% CI: 1.194-2.687, P=0.005), small intestine as surgical site (OR=6.911, 95% CI: 1.846-25.878, P=0.004), surgical duration (OR=1.002, 95% CI: 1.001-1.003, P<0.001), and surgical incision grade (contaminated incision: OR=3.212, 95% CI: 1.495-6.903, P=0.003; Infection incision: OR=11.562, 95%CI: 3.777-35.391, P<0.001) were risk factors for SSI, while laparoscopic or robotic surgery (OR=0.564, 95%CI: 0.376-0.846, P=0.006) and increased preoperative albumin level (OR=0.920, 95%CI: 0.888-0.952, P<0.001) were protective factors for SSI. In addition, as compared to non-SSI patients, the SSI patients had significantly higher rate of ICU stay [26.4% (43/163) vs. 9.5% (514/5397), χ(2)=54.999, P<0.001] and mortality within postoperative 30-day [1.84% (3/163) vs.0.01% (5/5397), χ(2)=33.642, P<0.001], longer ICU stay (median: 0 vs. 0, U=518 414, P<0.001), postoperative hospital stay (median: 17 days vs. 7 days, U=656 386, P<0.001), and total duration of hospitalization (median: 25 days vs. 12 days, U=648 129, P<0.001), and higher hospitalization costs (median: 71 000 yuan vs. 39 000 yuan, U=557 966, P<0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of SSI after abdominal surgery is 2.9%. In order to reduce the incidence of postoperative SSI, hypoproteinemia should be corrected before surgery, laparoscopic or robotic surgery should be selected when feasible, and the operating time should be minimized. More attentions should be paid and nursing should be strengthened for those patients with hypertension, small bowel surgery and seriously contaminated incision during the perioperative period.

[Risk factors for surgical site infection after emergency abdominal surgery: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China]

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common infectious complication after emergency abdominal surgery (EAS). To a large extent, most SSI can be prevented, but there are few relevant studies in China. This study mainly investigated the current situation of SSI occurrence after EAS in China, and further explored risk factors for SSI occurrence. Methods: Multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical data of patients undergoing EAS in 33 hospitals across China between May 1, 2019 and June 7, 2019 were prospectively collected, including perioperative data and microbial culture results from infected incisions. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI after EAS, while the secondary outcomes were postoperative hospital stay, ICU occupancy rate, length of ICU stay, hospitalization cost, and mortality within postoperative 30 days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of SSI after EAS. Results: A total of 660 EAS patients aged (47.9±18.3) years were enrolled in this study, including 56.5% of males (373/660). Forty-nine (7.4%) patients developed postoperative SSI. The main pathogen of SSI was Escherichia coli [culture positive rate was 32.7% (16/49)]. As compared to patients without SSI, those with SSI were more likely to be older (median 56 years vs. 46 years, U=19 973.5, P<0.001), male [71.4% (35/49) vs. 56.1% (343/611), χ(2)=4.334, P=0.037] and diabetes [14.3% (7/49) vs. 5.1% (31/611), χ(2)=5.498, P=0.015]; with-lower preoperative hemoglobin (median: 122.0 g/L vs. 143.5 g/L, U=11 471.5, P=0.006) and albumin (median: 35.5 g/L vs. 40.8 g/L, U=9452.0, P<0.001), with higher blood glucose (median: 6.9 mmol/L vs. 6.0 mmol/L, U=17 754.5, P<0.001); with intestinal obstruction [32.7% (16/49) vs. 9.2% (56/611), χ(2)=25.749, P<0.001], with ASA score 3-4 [42.9% (21/49) vs. 13.9% (85/611), χ(2)=25.563, P<0.001] and with high surgical risk [49.0% (24/49) vs. 7.0% (43/611), χ(2)=105.301, P<0.001]. The main operative procedure resulting in SSI was laparotomy [81.6%(40/49) vs. 35.7%(218/611), χ(2)=40.232, P<0.001]. Patients with SSI experienced significantly longer operation time (median: 150 minutes vs. 75 minutes, U=25 183.5, P<0.001). In terms of clinical outcome, higher ICU occupancy rate [51.0% (25/49) vs. 19.5% (119/611), χ(2)=26.461, P<0.001], more hospitalization costs (median: 44 000 yuan vs. 15 000 yuan, U=24 660.0, P<0.001), longer postoperative hospital stay (median: 10 days vs. 5 days, U=23 100.0, P<0.001) and longer ICU occupancy time (median: 0 days vs. 0 days, U=19 541.5, P<0.001) were found in the SSI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the elderly (OR=3.253, 95% CI: 1.178-8.985, P=0.023), colorectal surgery (OR=9.156, 95% CI: 3.655-22.937, P<0.001) and longer operation time (OR=15.912, 95% CI:6.858-36.916, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of SSI, while the laparoscopic surgery (OR=0.288, 95% CI: 0.119-0.694, P=0.006) was an independent protective factor for SSI. Conclusions: For patients undergoing EAS, attention should be paid to middle-aged and elderly patients and those of colorectal surgery. Laparoscopic surgery should be adopted when feasible and the operation time should be minimized, so as to reduce the incidence of SSI and to reduce the burden on patients and medical institutions.

[Investigation of treatment and analysis of prognostic risk on enterocutaneous fistula in China: a multicenter prospective study]

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment for enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) in China, and to explore the prognostic factors of ECF. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted based on the Registration System of Chinese Gastrointestinal Fistula and Intra-Abdominal Infections to collect the clinical data of ECF patients from 54 medical centers in 22 provinces/municipalities from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The clinical data included patient gender, age, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, underlying diseases, primary diseases, direct causes of ECF, location and type of ECF, complications, treatment and outcomes. All medical records were carefully filled in by the attending physicians, and then re-examined by more than two specialists. The diagnosis of ECF was based on the clinical manifestations, laboratory/imaging findings and intraoperative exploration. Results: A total of 1521 patients with ECF were enrolled, including 1099 males and 422 females, with a median age of 55 years. The top three primary diseases of ECF were malignant tumors in 626 cases (41.2%, including 540 gastrointestinal tumors, accounting for 86.3% of malignant tumors), gastrointestinal ulcers and perforations in 202 cases (13.3%), and trauma in 157 cases (10.3%). The direct causes of ECF were mainly surgical operation in 1194 cases (78.5%), followed by trauma in 156 (10.3%), spontaneous fistula due to Crohn's disease in 92 (6.0%), radiation intestinal injury in 41 (2.7%), severe pancreatitis in 20 (1.3%), endoscopic treatment in 13 (0.9%) and 5 cases (0.3%) of unknown reasons. All the patients were divided into three groups: 1350 cases (88.7%) with simple ECF, 150 (9.9%) with multiple ECF, and 21 (1.4%) with combined internal fistula. Among the patients with simple ECF, 438 cases (28.8%) were jejuno-ileal fistula, 313 (20.6%) colon fistula, 170 (11.2%) rectal fistula, 111 (7.3%) duodenal fistula, 76 (5.0%) ileocecal fistula, 65 (4.3%) ileocolic anastomotic fistula, 55 (3.6%) duodenal stump fistula, 36 (2.4%) gastrointestinal anastomotic fistula, 36 (2.4%) esophagogastric/esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula, 29 (1.9%) gastric fistula and 21 (1.4%) cholangiopancreatiointestinal. Among all the simple ECF patients, 991 were tubular fistula and 359 were labial fistula. A total of 1146 patients finished the treatment, of whom 1061 (92.6%) were healed (586 by surgery and 475 self-healing) and 85 (7.4%) died. A total of 1043 patients (91.0%) received nutritional support therapy, and 77 (6.7%) received fistuloclysis. Infectious source control procedures were applied to 1042 patients, including 711 (62.0%) with active lavage and drainage and 331 (28.9%) with passive drainage. Among them, 841 patients (73.4%) underwent minimally invasive procedures of infectious source control (replacement of drainage tube through sinus tract, puncture drainage, etc.), 201 (17.5%) underwent laparotomy drainage, while 104 (9.1%) did not undergo any drainage measures. A total of 610 patients (53.2%) received definitive operation, 24 patients died within postoperative 30-day with mortality of 3.9% (24/610), 69 (11.3%) developed surgical site infection (SSI), and 24 (3.9%) had a relapse of fistula. The highest cure rate was achieved in ileocecal fistula (100%), followed by rectal fistula (96.2%, 128/133) and duodenal stump fistula (95.7%,44/46). The highest mortality was found in combined internal fistula (3/12) and no death in ileocecal fistula. Univariate prognostic analysis showed that primary diseases as Crohn's disease (χ(2)=6.570, P=0.010) and appendicitis/appendiceal abscess (P=0.012), intestinal fistula combining with internal fistula (χ(2)=5.460, P=0.019), multiple ECF (χ(2)=7.135, P=0.008), esophagogastric / esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula (χ(2)=9.501, P=0.002), ECF at ileocecal junction (P=0.012), non-drainage/passive drainage before the diagnosis of intestinal fistula (χ(2)=9.688, P=0.008), non-drainage/passive drainage after the diagnosis of intestinal fistula (χ(2)=9.711, P=0.008), complicating with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (χ(2)=179.699, P<0.001), sepsis (χ(2)=211.851, P<0.001), hemorrhage (χ(2)=85.300, P<0.001), pulmonary infection (χ(2)=60.096, P<0.001), catheter-associated infection (χ(2)=10.617, P=0.001) and malnutrition (χ(2)=21.199, P<0.001) were associated with mortality. Multivariate prognostic analysis cofirmed that sepsis (OR=7.103, 95%CI:3.694-13.657, P<0.001), complicating with MODS (OR=5.018, 95%CI:2.170-11.604, P<0.001), and hemorrhage (OR=4.703, 95%CI: 2.300-9.618, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of the death for ECF patients. Meanwhile, active lavage and drainage after the definite ECF diagnosis was the protective factor (OR=0.223, 95%CI: 0.067-0.745, P=0.015). Conclusions: The overall mortality of ECF is still high. Surgical operation is the most common cause of ECF. Complications e.g. sepsis, MODS, hemorrhage, and catheter-associated infection, are the main causes of death. Active lavage and drainage is important to improve the prognosis of ECF.

Genes and pathways identified in thyroid carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis

The objective of this study was to investigate the key genes and pathways associated with thyroid carcinoma. Based on the microarray data of GSE27155, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between four types of thyroid carcinoma samples (papillary carcinoma (PTC), oncocytic carcinoma (OTC), follicular carcinoma (FTC) and anaplastic carcinoma (ATC)) and normal controls. With the obtained DEGs, we performed gene functional interaction (FI) network analysis. Then we conducted Venn diagram analysis to identify the intersection and specific DEGs of the four types of thyroid carcinomas. The intersections DEGs were performed by functional enrichment and transcription factor (TF) prediction analyses. These specific DEGs were performed by pathway enrichment analysis. There were respectively 323, 318, 118 and 1005 DEGs identified in PTC, OTC, FTC and ATC. Twelve sub-network modules were extracted based on gene FI network analysis and eight thyroid carcinoma-associated DEGs were involved in the network, such as TIMP1. Based on the Venn diagram analysis, 27 common DEGs were identified, such as HMGB3 which was regulated by TF of NKX3-1. There were 149 PTC-specific DEGs (like CLDN1), 160 OTC-specific DEGs, 94 FTC-specific DEGs (like PPARG), and 789 ATC-specific DEGs (like CDK1). They were enriched in some pathways, such as Cell cycle, Citrate cycle, and Oxidative phosphorylation. TIMP1, HMGB3, CLDN1, CDK1 and PPARG as well as pathways of Cell cycle, Citrate cycle, and Oxidative phosphorylation may play important roles in the progression of thyroid carcinoma.

Osteocondromatose em gato: relato de caso

RESUMO A osteocondromatose é caracterizada por nódulos únicos ou múltiplos decorrentes de um crescimento ósseo excessivo benigno. É encontrada em cães, gatos, equinos e humanos. Em felinos, tem maior incidência dos dois aos quatro anos de idade. A etiologia em gatos está relacionada ao vírus da leucemia felina, e também já foi encontrada relação com o fibrossarcoma. A manifestação clínica depende do local acometido e do tamanho da lesão. O diagnóstico definitivo é por meio de histopatologia e o prognóstico é desfavorável, pois ocorrem muitas recidivas. Este relato de caso objetiva descrever a apresentação dessa enfermidade em um felino jovem.

Key genes and pathways predicted in papillary thyroid carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to predict the key genes and pathways associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS

Based on the microarray data of GSE3467 from Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 9 PTC samples and 9 normal controls. With the identified DEGs, functional enrichment analyses were performed. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed to screened out some key gene nodes. These key nodes were then performed clustering analysis and pathway enrichment analysis. Furthermore, human PTC-associated network was constructed based on these key genes to investigate the potential relationships between genes and PTC.

RESULTS

A total of 651 up-regulated and 692 down-regulated DEGs were identified in PTC samples compared with controls. The up-regulated DEGs, such as complement component 3 (C3), were mainly enriched in hsa04610:Complement and coagulation cascades. The down-regulated DEGs, including paired box 8 (PAX8), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and cadherin 1, type 1 were found enriched in hsa05216:Thyroid cancer. Total 33 DEGs were considered as key genes, such as PAX8, PPARG and Jun proto-oncogene (JUN). Disease-associated network analysis found that 15 key genes such as JUN, PPARG and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were involved in this network.

CONCLUSIONS

DEGs of C3, PPARG, PAX8, JUN and MMP9 were differentially expressed in PTC samples and may be used as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of PTC. Additionally, pathways of complement and coagulation cascades and thyroid cancer may also play important roles in the development of PTC.

Expression level of microRNA-195 in the serum of patients with gastric cancer and its relationship with the clinicopathological staging of the cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study miroRNA-195 (miR-195) expression in the serum and cancer tissue of patients with gastric cancer and to investigate the relationship between its expression and clinicopathological features of gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-two patients with gastric cancer admitted to our institution were included in the study group, and 36 healthy persons undergoing health check-up at our institution served as control group. miR-195 expressions in the serum, gastric cancer tissue and corresponding paracancerous tissue in subjects of two groups were measured by using quantitative fluorescent real-time PCR (QF-RT-PCR), and the relationship between miR-195 and the clinicopathological features of the cancer was investigated.

RESULTS

miR-195 expression level in the serum of gastric cancer patients was significantly lower than that in the control group (p <0.05). miR-195 expression in gastric cancer tissue was also significantly lower than that in corresponding paracancerous tissue (p <0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that low expression of miR-195 was negatively correlated with the infiltration depth, the extent of differentiation, the clinical staging and lymph node metastasis, all with statistical significance (p <0.05), but not significantly correlated with tumor locations (p >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low expression of miR-195 in patients with gastric cancer may play a certain role in promoting the genesis and development of gastric cancer and it can function as a potential novel tumor marker for the early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of gastric cancer.

Radiographic kidney measurements in North American pet ferrets (Mustela furo)

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the current study was to determine normal radiographic kidney -measurements in pet ferrets.

METHODS

Kidney length and width dimensions and the length of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) were determined from survey ventrodorsal radiographs in 53 neutered ferrets of various ages, weight and sex, with no evidence of urogenital disease. Kidney dimensions were expressed as a ratio to the body length of L2.

RESULTS

All ferrets in this study had six lumbar vertebrae. The median length of L2 was 13·3 mm, and was longer in males than females (P=0·0001). The 95% confidence interval for kidney-length-to-L2 ratios was 2·21 to 2·31 for the right and 2·15 to 2·25 for the left. For the kidney-width-to-L2 ratios these intervals were 1·09 to 1·14 for the right and 1·07 to 1·12 for the left kidney. There was a significant association between kidney size and weight or sex but not with age.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The results of this radiographic study may allow practitioners to have a more -objective clinical radiographic evaluation of kidney size of pet ferrets based on individual traits.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Soluble Amyloid Precursor Protein and β-Amyloid 42 in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis Optica and Clinically Isolated Syndrome

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulation in axonal ovoids is a sensitive marker for acute axonal injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. This study measured levels of α-cleaved soluble APP (αsAPP) and β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 42 MS, 10 neuromyelitis optica and 25 clinically isolated syndrome patients and 21 healthy controls, and analysed the correlation between αsAPP and Aβ42 levels and relevant clinical parameters. The CSF concentrations of αsAPP and Aβ42 in patients and controls were not significantly different. There was a significant inverse correlation in patients between CSF asAPP concentration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), but no significant correlation between CSF Aβ42 concentration and EDSS. The concentration of αsAPP in the CSF of statin-treated patients was significantly higher than in those not treated with statins, suggesting that statins may have a neuroprotective effect. In conclusion, αsAPP was present at similar levels in the CSF of patients with neuromyelitis optica, MS and clinically isolated syndrome and healthy controls, and an inverse correlation existed between CSF αsAPP concentration and neurological disability.

Reliability of T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance images for determining the location of compressive disk herniation in dogs

Magnetic resonance imaging is used commonly to diagnose intervertebral disk herniation in dogs. It is common to locate areas of suspected compression on sagittal T2-weighted (T2-W) images and then obtain limited transverse images in these areas to reduce the acquisition time (a step-by-step approach). Our objective was to assess the frequency of correct localization of spinal cord compression due to disk herniation using only the sagittal images. The results from isolated readings of the sagittal T2-W images alone or combined with a single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) slab in 118 dogs were compared with a gold standard, based on a consensual reading of all images available, including complete transverse images across the entire spinal segments under study. The sites of compression were localized correctly from the sagittal images in 89.8% of dogs. If only the most significant lesions were accounted for, the percentage increased up to 95.2%. In 54.9% of the readings with incorrect localization, the actual compressive site was immediately adjacent to the one suspected from review of the sagittal images. The frequency of correct localization was higher in the cervical region, and was increased by examination of the SSFSE slab. The most common cause of disagreement was the presence of multiple degenerate bulging disks. Based on these results we recommend obtaining transverse images across the entire segment when multiple bulging disks are present. It is also recommended to obtain transverse images across the spaces immediately adjacent to the suspected site of herniation from review of the sagittal images.

Pseudolayering artefact on postcontrast magnetic resonance images of the bladder of 18 dogs and three cats

An artefact was observed on postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging (mri) of the urinary bladder of several small animals; it took the form of a dark layer in the dependent (dorsal) part of the bladder, with a thin hyperintense layer on top of it, and a hypointense signal in the rest of the non-dependent (ventral) part. The mri database was searched for animals with T1-weighted images of the urinary bladder after the injection of gadolinium. Eighteen dogs and three cats were included in the study. The artefact was observed in 16 of the animals on the postcontrast images but not on the T1-weighted and T2-weighted precontrast images. A phantom experiment showed that the signal intensity observed on T1-weighted images decreased rapidly as the concentration of gadolinium increased from 6.25 mmol/l to 25 mmol/l. It is hypothesised that the early excretion of concentrated gadolinium into the bladder causes the pseudolayering artefact observed, which has also been reported in human patients.

Five year follow up of a phase II study of cytotoxic immunotherapy combined with radiation in newly diagnosed prostate cancer

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Background: In the U.S. there are about 70,000 annual prostate cancer recurrences. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a product to decrease incidence of recurrence. This study is based on objective clinical responses in Phase I studies with AdV-tk (ProstAtak™, Advantagene, Inc) as monotherapy in recurrent disease and preclinical data demonstrating synergy between AdV-tk and radiation. AdV-tk is an adenoviral vector expressing the herpes thymidine kinase gene delivered to the prostate via TRUS-guided injection followed by 14 days of oral prodrug. The mechanisms of function involve direct tumor cytotoxicity, local elicitation of danger signals, recruitment and activation of antigen presenting cells and stimulation of systemic anti-tumor T-cell immunity. Method: AdV-tk was evaluated in combination with radiation in 66 newly diagnosed patients: 33 low risk (Arm A, PSA <10, Gleason <7, and T1c-T2a) and 33 intermediate-high risk (Arm B, PSA ≥10, Gleason ≥7, or T2b-T3). Arm A received two treatments with AdV-tk, immediately before and 14 days into radiation. Arm B received an additional treatment at initiation of androgen deprivation therapy. Results: Two surrogate and one definitive end-point were evaluated. Frequency of patients in Arm A with PSA nadir ≤0.2 ng/ml was 71% vs 56% in a control group of concurrent patients without AdV-tk. The two-year pathologic complete response (pCR) rate by sextant biopsy was 90% in Arm A and 94% in Arm B, compared to an expected range of 70–73%. Freedom from failure (FFF) after 60 month median follow up is 100% for Arm A and 90% for Arm B (95% for intermediate, 75% for high risk) vs best reported results of 79–90% for low risk and 48–79% for intermediate-high risk patients. The three failures in Arm B occurred within months after treatment leading to a Kaplan-Meier curve that plateaus at 90% beyond year 3. This is notably different than previous reports in which the curves continue to drop beyond year 5. Conclusion: These results suggest that AdV-tk combined with radiation therapy may significantly reduce the recurrence rate in patients with prostate cancer, particularly in patients with intermediate-high risk disease. A randomized controlled trial is warranted.

[Table: see text]

Ultrasound detection of spontaneous hepato-cellular carcinomas in X/myc bitransgenic mice

AIMS

To evaluate trans-abdominal ultrasound for the detection of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a bitrasgenic murine (X/myc) model using a commercially available high-frequency ultrasound unit.

METHODS

Sixty-one female animals were included in this study. These animals were submitted to a single ultrasound examination of the liver under general anesthesia (isoflurane), and then euthanized. Results of ultrasound were compared with necropsy and histopathology.

RESULTS

The lesions demonstrated a fairly consistent aspect (oval- or round-shaped, well-defined hypoechoic homogeneous lesions), and lesions as small as 2 mm were identified. For detection of hepatic nodules per mouse the sensitivity was 75%, the specificity was 100% and the accuracy was 88.5%. For detection of hepatic focal lesions per lesions the overall sensitivity was 60%, the specificity was 97%, and the accuracy was 75.9%. Contrast-enhanced harmonic ultrasound imaging did not improve the identification of the lesions in our experimental conditions.

CONCLUSION

High-frequency ultrasound appears to be an efficient tool allowing new possibilities to use this animal model and evaluate new therapies in longitudinal studies, which are much more powerful.

[Important prognostic factors in patients with skull base erosion from nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term outcome and prognostic factors in patients with skull base erosion from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after initial radiation therapy.

METHODS

From January 1985 to December 1986, 100 patients (71 male, 29 female) with the diagnosis of NPC were found to have skull base erosion from computed tomography (CT). The mean age was 41 (16-66) years. Ninety-six patients had World Health Organization (WHO) type III undifferentiated carcinoma while four had type I carcinomas. Metastatic workup including chest radiography, liver ultrasound and liver function test were negative. All patients underwent external beam radiotherapy alone to 66-80 Gy over 6-8 weeks. Daily fraction size of 2 Gy was delivered utilizing cobalt-60 or linear accelerator. No patient received chemotherapy. All patients were followed up at regular intervals after irradiation. Median follow-up was 22.3 months (2 months-174 months). Overall survival of the cohort was computed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Potential prognostic factors on survival were examined. Multivariate analyses was performed using Cox regression model.

RESULTS

One, three, five, and ten year overall survival rates for the cohort were 79%, 38%, 27% and 13%, respectively. However, in the sub-group of patients with both anterior cranial nerves (I-VIII) and posterior cranial nerve (IX-XII) involvement had a five-year survival of only 7.7%. Causes of death included local recurrence (59 patients), distant metastases (21 patients), both local recurrence and distant metastases (1 patient) and unrelated causes (5 patients). After multivariate analysis, complete recovery of cranial nerve involvement, cranial nerves palsy and recovery of headache after irradiation were found to be independent prognostic factors in this cohort.

CONCLUSION

This report presents one of the longest follow-ups of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma invading skill base. It demonstrates the importance of cranial nerves involvement as well as recovery of headache and cranial nerve palsy. These factors should be evaluated carefully from history and physical examination as well as imaging studies. Currently available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly recommended as an additional test. A subgroup of patients with skull base involvement had long-term survival after radiotherapy alone. More aggressive strategy such as combined chemo-radiotherapy and altered fractionation radiotherapy may improve outcome in patients with poor prognostic factors.

[A comparative study of HLA-A locus in northern and southern Chinese bymeans of PCR/SSOP typing]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the HLA-A locus in a population selected from Beijing (northern group) with that in a population selected from Guangzhou (southern group).

METHODS

HLA typing was performed by using PCR/SSOP method. A pair of primer and 54 probes were used.

RESULTS

In 18 alleles identified, the differences in gene frequency between northern and southern Chinese were found. In northern group, A*0205, 0210 and 2901 were absent, and the frequencies of A*2601, 3001 and 3101 were higher than those of southern group; while in southern group, A*3103, 3201 and 6801 were absent, the frequencies of A*0203 and 1101 were higher than those of northern group; and in addition, six subtypes of A2 serological specificity, namely A*0201, 0203, 0205, 0206, 0207 and 0210, were found, in which A*0201 predominated.

CONCLUSION

There are some differences in the genetic background of northern and southern Chinese. A2 subtypes have important implications for unrelated-donor transplantation.

Diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism in a cat using echocardiography and pulmonary scintigraphy

A 10-year-old male cat was presented with sudden onset of respiratory difficulties. Clinical examination revealed an acute dyspnoea with cyanosis associated with a left systolic heart murmur. Standard thoracic radiographs excluded pulmonary oedema and showed very few pulmonary changes given the intensity of the respiratory compromise. Echocardiographic examination revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a thrombus in the right pulmonary artery. Pulmonary scintigraphy confirmed a pulmonary thromboembolism with hypovascularisation of the left cranial lobe and of the ventral segment of the right lobe. Conservative treatment was instituted using an antibiotic (doxycycline), anticoagulants (heparin, coumadine) and a calcium inhibitor (diltiazem). The cat was given absolute rest. The general condition of the animal improved.

[A study on combined treatment with ANP and dopamine in acute renal failure in rats]

Acute renal failure (ARF) model was made by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin at a dosage of 10mg/kg. After the procedure, the rats were given atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) and dopamine (DA) as well as ANP or DA individually. The results indicated that combined treatment with ANP and DA was more effective for improvement of renal function in ARF (increase of GFR) than individual treatment with either ANP or DA. Dopamine can effectively reverse the side-effect of hypotension of ANP.

Orientational constraints as three-dimensional structural constraints from chemical shift anisotropy: the polypeptide backbone of gramicidin A in a lipid bilayer

Chemical shifts observed from samples that are uniformly aligned with respect to the magnetic field can be used as very high-resolution structural constraints. This constraint takes the form of an orientational constraint rather than the more familiar distance constraint. The accuracy of these constraints is dependent upon the quality of the tensor characterization. Both tensor element magnitudes and tensor orientations with respect to the molecular frame need to be considered. Here these constraints have been used to evaluate models for the channel conformation of gramicidin A. Of the three models used, the one experimentally derived model of gramicidin in sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles fits the data least well.