Differentiation between atypical sinonasal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and inverted papilloma

AIM

To seek additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to improve the accuracy of differentiation between atypical sinonasal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and inverted papilloma (IP) using conventional MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MRI examinations from 44 atypical cases (21 NHLs and 23 IPs) in sinonasal regions were reviewed retrospectively. Imaging features included tumour laterality, extension, T1-weighted imaging (WI)/T2WI signal intensity homogeneity and ratios, enhancement homogeneity and ratios, and ADC_mean.

RESULTS

In cases of NHL, homogeneous signal intensity was often observed on T2WI, which was homogeneous and significantly less enhanced than the turbinate, with lower ADC_mean. Whereas in IPs, heterogeneous signal intensity was seen on T2WI, which was heterogeneous and of comparable enhancement to the turbinate, and higher ADC_mean values were commonly seen. An ADC_mean cut-off point of 1.10 × 10^-3 mm²/s achieved 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 90% accuracy. In addition, special features were observed that support the distinction between the two tumours, including intestinal pattern enhancement in NHL and spot-like appearance on T2WI and enhancement in IP.

CONCLUSIONS

ADC_mean was the most valuable metric for differentiating between the atypical sinonasal NHLs and IPs.

[The suppressive effects of microRNA-139-5p on proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the role of microRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p) in the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its effects on cell proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Seventy-five cases of ESCC tissues and paired normal tissues were obtained from thoracic surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2017 to March 2018. Experiment was divided into two group: ESCC (n=75) and normal esophageal tissues (n=75).GEO datasets and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of miR-139-5p in ESCC tissues and cells. miR-139-5p inhibitor, miR-139-5p mimic, negative control, control siRNA, T-box transcliption factor 1(TBX1) siRNA, pcDNA3.1 and pcDNA3.1-TBX1 were transfected into ESCC Eca109 and TE1 cells. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of miR-139-5p and TBX1 in transfected ESCC cells. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and Transwell chamber were employed to detect cell proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells, respectively. Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay was used to analyze the interaction between miR-139-5p with TBX1. qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were utilized to detect the expression of TBX1 in ESCC tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin after transfection. Results: The level of miR-139-5p in ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues (1.17±0.43 vs 5.16±3.62,P<0.001). Log-rank test showed that the survival rate of ESCC patients with high miR-139-5p level (n = 43) was significantly higher than that with low miR-139-5p level (n=32) (67.44% vs 25.00%, P = 0.005). The expression level of miR-139-5p in ESCC cells was significantly lower than that of normal esophageal epithelial cell Het-1A (all P<0.001). The proliferation and invasion ability of ECA109 and TE1 cells with high expression of miR-139-5p were significantly lower than those transfected with negative control (NC) (all P<0.05). Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay showed that miR-139-5p could bind to the 3'-untranslated region of TBX1. miR-139-5p mimic or inhibitor suppressed or promoted the expression of TBX1 protein in Eca109 and TE1 cells, respectively (all P<0.05). Downregulation of TBX1 significantly suppressed proliferation and invasion of ECA109 and TE1 cells, while overexpression of TBX1 significantly promoted proliferation and invasion of ECA109 and TE1 cells (all P<0.05). In addition, pcDNA3.1-TBX1 partially reversed the inhibition of miR-139-5p-mediated invasion ability (all P<0.05), while TBX1 siRNA partially reversed the enhancement of miR-139-5p inhibitor-mediated invasion ability (all P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-139-5p suppressed ESCC cell proliferation and invasion by targeting TBX1.

[Initial osteoblast functions on a type of near β-type titanium alloys surfaces modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology]

Objective: To evaluate the adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) of osteoblast-like cells on a type of near β-type titanium alloys (Ti-5Zr-3Sn-5Mo-15Nb, TLM) surfaces modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology, and to investigate the effect of the modified surfaces on the initial functions of osteoblast-like cells. Methods: The surfaces of TLM were modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology. TLM surfaces without modification were used as control. Cell morphology was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to measure cell proliferation. Cell ALP activity was evaluated by using reagent kits. The mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), typeⅠcollagen alpha 1 chain (COLⅠ α1) and OPG/RANKL were examined by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR). Results: Four hour following cell alture, cells on modified surfaces extend filopodia and intercellular junction was tight. Three days later, cell proliferation (0.277±0.007) was significantly higher than that in control group (0.249±0.004) (P<0.01). After two weeks, ALP activity on TLM modified layer (173.6±1.89) was significantly higher than that on unmodified TLM (162.6±2.4) (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of osteoblast marker RUNX2, COLⅠα1 were stronger than that in control group (P<0.05). The expression of OPG mRNA was higher than that in control group (P<0.01), and RANKL mRNA expression was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The TLM surface modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology has a positive effect on osteoblasts initial adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, and it can also improve expression of OPG mRNA and has an inhibitory effect on RANKL mRNA expression of osteoblasts.

[Study on dioxin emission for typical non-wood pulp making in China]

Based on the requirement of National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (NIP), six industries including pulp and paper industry have been set as the priority key sectors to implement the best available technology and best environmental practice (BAT/BEP) within a specific time for UPOPs reduction. Non-wood pulping has always played important role in virgin pulp production in China, its elemental chlorinated bleaching process has been confirmed as main source of Dioxin emission for the sector. As the signature party of Stockholm Convention and long time existing country of non-wood pulping, identification of Dioxin emission situation is significant importance to China to committee the obligation of Stockholm Convention. The Dioxin concentrations in outflow water of bamboo, straw, reed, and bagasse pulping processes (chlorination alkaline extraction hypochlorite, CEH) are 41.8 pg x L(-1), 72.7 pg x L(-1), 7.46 pg x L(-1), and 19.7 pg x L(-1) respectively, which are all around the national waste water discharge standard (30 pg x L(-1)). But relevant data will easily exceed national standard while the limitation of unit water consumption for pulp making is decreased. So the application of best available techniques/best environmental practices (BAT/BEP) is very necessary to improve relevant mills up to the above standard, and proceed the sector meeting the national and international requirements for Dioxin emission. At the same time, the text calculates emission factors on bamboo, straw, reed and bagasse pulp making process through whole process monitoring, which will provide meaningful reference for increasing relevant factors in UNEP Toolkit.

Effect of groups difference in surfactant on solubilization of aqueous phenol using MEUF

Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) was used to remove phenol from simulant aqueous solutions. The effect of groups difference of cationic surfactant on the solubilization of phenol was investigated through orthogonal experiment, namely, surfactants with the same length of hydrocarbon chain but different hydrophilic head group and vice versa. The effects on the solubilization of phenol of various operating parameters in the practical application of MEUF with OTAB were studied, including surfactant concentration, electrolyte concentration, feed phenol concentration, operating pressure, temperature, respectively. The results showed that the rejection of phenol increased in the order as follows: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)<octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (OTAB)<cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). With the introduction of feed surfactant concentration, the retention recovery of phenol increased. Electrolyte concentration, feed phenol concentration, operating pressure and temperature all had a slight influence on the retention of phenol.

[Recovery of Cd2+ by an electrolytic process from the concentrated solution of micellar enhanced ultrafiltration]

Micellar enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) is a new method which is based on the surfactant of the unique characteristic of parental molecular structure that can remove heavy metals in the water. The concentrated solution by dealing with the MEUF contains high concentration of heavy metal ions, so it must be need for further processing. The electrolysis method was employed to recovery Cd2+ from the concentrated solution of micellar enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF). Effects of type of electrode, electrolysis voltage (U) and time (t), solution pH, surfactant to Cd2+ molar ratio ([SDS]/[Cd2+]) on Cd2+ recovery efficiency were investigated. The study found that the surfactant had some effect of resistance to electrolysis process. The optimum experimental conditions were obtained: stainless steel (anode)-graphite (cathode), U = 2.8 V, t = 100 min, pH = 4, [SDS]/[Cd2+] = 5 ([SDS] = 8.5 mmol/L constant). And the recovery efficiency of Cd2+ in the concentrated solution was 50.26%.

[Recovery and reuse of SDS by ultrafiltration with acid or chelator]

The retentate stream containing Cd2+ was chosen for the investigation. Effects of acid reagent, chelator, pH and operation mode on separation of Cd2+ and recovery of SDS, as well as efficiency of reclaimed SDS were investigated. The optimum conditions in acidification were obtained: H2SO4 as acid reagent, pH = 1.0, operation mode of batch. Under these conditions, separation of Cd2+ and recovery of SDS are 98.0% and 58.1%, respectively. And the efficiency of reclaimed SDS for removing Cd2+ is 80.2%. In chelation, the optimum conditions were investigated: EDTA as chelator, uncontrolled pH (pH = 4.4) and operation mode of batch. Under these conditions, separation of Cd2+ and recovery of SDS are 90.1% and 60.5%, respectively. And the efficiency of reclaimed SDS for removing Cd2+ is 79.4%.

Recovery of surfactant SDS and Cd2+ from permeate in MEUF using a continuous foam fractionator

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of foam fractionation to recover valuable surfactant (SDS) and metal ion (Cd2+) in the permeate of micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF). The effects of operating factors, such as time, air flow rate, feed flow rate, liquid height, foam height, feed surfactant concentration, ethanol concentration and temperature on separation characteristics were studied in the continuous operation. When the concentrations of surfactant (SDS) and metal ion (Cd2+) in the feed solution were 500 mg/L and 10 mg/L, an enrichment ratio of 3.1 was achieved for SDS along with 52% removal fraction, as well as 99.35% Cd2+ was removed, after optimization of different process parameters. As the optimized results, the air and liquid flow rates were 100 L/h and 5 L/h, liquid and foam heights were 45 cm and 66 cm, respectively, sparger pore size was 10 microm. The Cd2+ concentration in the effluent was lower than 0.1mg/L which could meet the integrated wastewater discharge standard (the first grade of national discharge standards in China).

Mutagens from heated Chinese and U.S. cooking oils

BACKGROUND

The lung cancer incidence in Chinese women is among the highest in the world, but tobacco smoking accounts for only a minority of the cancers. Epidemiologic investigations of lung cancer among Chinese women have implicated exposure to indoor air pollution from wok cooking, where the volatile emissions from unrefined cooking oils are mutagenic.

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to identify and quantify the potentially mutagenic substances emitted from a variety of cooking oils heated to the temperatures typically used in wok cooking.

METHODS

Several cooking oils and fatty acids were heated in a wok to boiling, at temperatures (for the cooking oils) that ranged from 240 degrees C to 280 degrees C (typical cooking temperatures in Shanghai, China). The oils tested were unrefined Chinese rapeseed, refined U.S. rapeseed (known as canola), Chinese soybean, and Chinese peanut in addition to linolenic, linoleic, and erucic fatty acids. Condensates of the emissions were collected and tested in the Salmonella mutation assay (using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98 and TA104). Volatile decomposition products also were subjected to gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Aldehydes were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography and UV spectroscopy.

RESULTS

1,3-Butadiene, benzene, acrolein, formaldehyde, and other related compounds were qualitatively and quantitatively detected, with emissions tending to be highest for unrefined Chinese rapeseed oil and lowest for peanut oil. The emission of 1,3-butadiene and benzene was approximately 22-fold and 12-fold higher, respectively, from heated unrefined Chinese rapeseed oil than from heated peanut oil. Lowering the cooking temperatures or adding an antioxidant, such as butylated hydroxyanisole, before cooking decreased the amount of these volatile emissions. Among the individual fatty acids tested, heated linolenic acid produced the greatest quantities of 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and acrolein. Separately, the mutagenicity of individual volatile emission condensates was correlated with linolenic acid content (r = .83; P = .0004). Condensates from heated linolenic acid, but not linoleic or erucic acid, were highly mutagenic.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies, combined with experimental and epidemiologic findings, suggest that high-temperature wok cooking with unrefined Chinese rapeseed oil may increase lung cancer risk. This study indicates methods that may reduce that risk.

IMPLICATIONS

The common use of wok cooking in China might be an important but controllable risk factor in the etiology of lung cancer. In the United States, where cooking oils are usually refined for purity, additional studies should be conducted to further quantify the potential risks of such methods of cooking.

Genotoxicity of heated cooking oil vapors

Epidemiological studies of lung cancer in Chinese women indicated that factors other than cigarette smoking are related to lung cancer risk. A case-control study suggested that indoor air pollution, particularly from cooking oil emissions, may be involved. Condensates of volatile emissions from rapeseed and soybean cooking oils were prepared and found to be genotoxic in short-term tests including the Salmonella mutation assay, SV50 forward-mutation assay, and sister-chromatid exchange assay, as well as the micronucleus assay in mouse bone marrow. In contrast, condensates from rapeseed oil with butylated hydroxyanisole or hydrogenated rapeseed oil were not mutagenic, implicating oxidation products as the cause for mutagenicity. Peanut oil and lard condensates were not mutagenic in any assay. The association of exposure to Chinese rapeseed cooking-oil emissions and lung-cancer risk may be related to the mutagenic component of these condensates.

Investigation of cancer epidemiology and study of carcinogenic agents in the Shanghai Rubber Industry

Preliminary studies on crude cancer incidences among workers from 89 factories in Shanghai revealed excessive risk of cancer for workers in certain workshops of rubber tire factories. Chronic in situ animal exposures showed that compounding and Banbury mills for mastication and mixing were origins of carcinogenic contaminants. Various chronic experiments indicated the carcinogenicity of PBNA in rats and mice, especially with regard to the lungs. The high concentration of PBNA in the atmosphere of the work area seemed to be related to the excessive incidence of lung cancer among the workers. Epidemiological investigation showed that there was an excessive number of cases of lung cancer in the workshop of rubber tire factories where compounding, mixing, and milling took place.