[Relationship research among CDH23 gene and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To explore the relationship among CDH23 gene variation and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) . Methods: The nested case-control study was performed and this study followed a cohort of 6297 noise-exposed workers in a steel factory of Henan province in China from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. In July 2019, subjects whose average hearing threshold were more than 40 dB in high frequency were defined as the case group, and subjects whose average hearing threshold were less than 35 dB in high frequency and less than 25 dB in speech frequency were defined as the control group. A nested case-control study which included 572 subjects was carried out, in which subjects consisted of 286 cases and 286 controls. 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CDH23 were selected and genotyped, then we analyzed the association among SNPs in CDH23, haplotypes in CDH23 and NIHL risk. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the main effects of SNPs and the interactions between CNE and SNPs adjusting cumulative noise exposure (CNE) , smoking, drinking, physical exercise and hypertension. Moreover, the association between haplotypes in CDH23 and NIHL risk were also analyzed. We ananlyzed the relationship amongst different SNP groups and NIHL risk using the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method. Results: The results suggested that significant associations were observed for rs3802711, rs3752751, rs3752752, rs11592462, rs10762480, rs3747867 for NIHL overall and/or various CNE strata by adjusting CNE, smoking, drinking, physical exercise and blood pressure. For rs3802711, workers exposure to noise carrying the AA/GA genotype of rs3802711 increased risk of NIHL than those carrying GG genotype (OR=3.121; 95%CI:1.054-9.239, P=0.035) in overall; In the stratified analysis of CNE (>97 dB (A) ·year at rs3802711 locus, workers exposure to noise carrying GA genotype (OR=2.056; 95%CI:1.226~3.448, P=0.006) and GA+AA/GA genotype (OR=2.221; 95%CI:1.340~3.681, P=0.002) increased NIHL risk. For rs11592462, workers exposure to noise carrying the GG genotype of rs11592462 increased risk of NIHL than those carrying CC genotype in overall (OR=3.951; 95%CI:1.104-14.137, P=0.04) ; workers exposure to noise carrying the GG genotype of rs11592462 increased risk of NIHL than those carrying CG+CC genotype in overall (OR=4.06; 95%CI:1.145-14.391, P=0.03) . After adjusting CNE, smoking, drinking, physical exercise and blood pressure, the haplotypes of CDH23 rs1227049, rs10999947, rs3752752, rs3752751, rs10762480, rs3802711, rs11592462, rs10466026, rs4747194, rs4747195 were not associated with the risk of NIHL. GMDR analysis showed no association between SNP combination and NIHL risk after adjusting CNE, smoking, drinking, physical exercise and blood pressure. Conclusion: Gene polymorphisms in CDH23 might associate significantly with the risk of NIHL.

[Association between GPX1 gene polymorphisms and noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To identify association between genetic polymorphism in the Glutathione peroxidase 1 gene (GPX1) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) . Methods: A nested case control study was conducted based on a cohort of noise-exposed subjects. 392 cases were selected from the steel factory in Henan Province, 392 matched control subjects for each case were designated on the basis of the matched criterion including same gender, age (±5years) and duration of exposure to noise (±2years) . Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GPX1 were genotyped by SNPscanTM multiplex SNP genotyping kit. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) tests were performed using Pearson's χ(2) for each SNP among control group, effects of genotypes of GPX1 on NIHL were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: All two SNPs were in HWE. After adjustment for covariates including smoking status, rs1987628 polymorphism was statistically significantly associated with the NIHL risk under codominant and Dominant inheritance models; In the subjects carrying rs1987628 GA genotype had a higher NIHL risk than those carrying the GG genotype, the adjusted OR value was 1.803 (95%CI 1.215-2.676, P=0.003) . And meanwhile, rs1987628 GA+AA genotype had a higher NIHL risk than those carrying the GG genotype, the adjusted OR value was 1.762 (95%CI 1.197-2.593, P=0.004) . Conclusion: It was suggested that genetic polymorphism in the GPX1 gene might be the genetic susceptible factor for NIHL.

[Association between GSTP1 gave polymorphisms and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) at rs1695 and rs6591256 in glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese Han workers exposed to noise. Methods: A 1: 2 matched nested case-control study was performed, which based on the cohort of 6297 workers exposed to noise in an iron and steel plant in Henan, China, who were followed up from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. According to the criteria of binaural average high-frequency hearing threshold ≥40 dB, a total of 292 workers were enrolled as hearing loss group; after the adjustment for sex, type of work, age (difference≤5 years) , and working years of noise exposure (difference≤2 years) , according to the criteria of binaural average high-frequency hearing threshold <35 dB, and the speech frequency hearing threshold of any ear at any frequency band ≤25 dB, a total of 584 workers were enrolled as control group. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of rs1695 and rs6591256 in GSTP1 were genotyped by high throughput SNP genotyping assay. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of control group was checked. The association between the SNPs at the two loci and susceptibility to NIHL was analyzed. Results: The L(Aeq, 8 h) range of workers exposed to noise was 80.2-98.8 dB (A) . The risk of NIHL in individuals with allele G of rs1695 was 1.291 times of those with allele A (95%CI: 1.042-1.598, P<0.05) . The risk of NIHL in individuals with allele G of rs6591256 was 1.390 times of those with allele A (95%CI: 1.119-1.728, P<0.05) . The risk of NIHL in individuals with AG and GG genotypes of rs6591256 was 1.437 times of those with AA genotype (95%CI: 1.057-1.952, P<0.05) . With the increase of noise exposure duration, individuals with AG and GG genotypes of rs6591256 had a higher risk of NIHL than those with AA genotype (HR=1.273, 95%CI: 1.002-1.616, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The allele G of rs1695 and rs6591256 may be risk factors of NIHL.

[Prognostic evaluation of P53 and BCL2 proteins in MYC/BCL2 double expression DLBCL]

Objective: To investigate the strong expression (S+) of P53 and BCL2 proteins in MYC/BCL2 double-expression DLBCL (DEL) and whether they can be used for the prognostic evaluation and stratified diagnosis of DELs. Methods: Tissue microarray were made by filed FFPE blocks of 174 DLBCL cases. The translocation of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 genes were detected by FISH, and the proteins were detected by IHC. Data of clinicopathologic features and follow up of patients were collected and OS (overall survival) and PFS (progression free survival) were analyzed by statistics. Results: Eight double-hit lymphomas (DHLs) were identified in all cases, and 45 DELs were selected from 166 remaining cases, which have no significant difference in OS and PFS compared with non-DEL cases (P=0.668 and P=0.790) . Of 42 DEL-cases with follow up data, 24 cases with P53+ or/and BCL2 (S+) are significantly shorter OS and PFS than others (P=0.003 and P=0.000) , in which the cases with P53+/BCL2 (S+) co-expression were the worst prognosis, and P53/BCL2 co-weaker positive DEL cases even have superior OS and PFS than those non-DELs. Although statistics showed that the cases of P53+ or/and BCL2 (S+) have a lower OS and PFS in total cases (P=0.063 and P=0.024) , it is not the case when the DEL-cases take out from total cases, that is the cases with P53+ or/and BCL2 (S+) are as similar OS and PFS as others in non-DEL group (P=0.590 and P=0.550) . Conclusion: The strong expression of P53 and BCL2 proteins can be used as indicators of stratified diagnosis and poor prognosis of DEL.

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry technology and high-throughput metabolomics for deciphering the preventive mechanism of mirabilite on colorectal cancer via the modulation of complex metabolic networks

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly virulent and malignant disease and always accompanied by metabolic disorders. Currently, there are no effective therapeutic drugs for the treatment of CRC. High-throughput metabolomics approaches have been used to unveil the metabolic pathways related to several diseases. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based high-throughput metabolomics was used for deciphering the potential preventive mechanism of mirabilite on CRC via the modulation of the associated metabolic disorders; a total of 28 differential biomarkers, including indole acetaldehyde, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, hypoxanthine, retinal, retinal ester, linoleic acid, stearic acid, 6-deoxocastasterone, 2-hydroxybutyric acid and LysoPC, were identified in the APCmin/+ mice. These differential biomarkers are involved in the tryptophan metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Note that these biomarkers and their disturbed metabolic pathways were also regulated by mirabilite. It has been found that the prevention of CRC by mirabilite is mainly associated with tryptophan metabolism; this study shows that high-throughput metabolomics can reveal the perturbed metabolic disorders targeted in the action mechanism of drug treatment.

Electric-field-tunable molecular adsorption on germanane

Fully-hydrogenated germanene, named germanane, represents a new nanostructured material for a variety of potential applications, such as electronics and optoelectronics. However, a critical requirement for developing practical and reliable electronic devices based on germanane consists of achieving a flexibly controllable charge carrier and doping level. Different to the conventional doping methods such as ion implantation and diffusion, by first-principles calculations we demonstrate that tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) molecular adsorption could introduce effective p-type doping in germanane due to the combination of germanane with electroactive acceptor molecule TCNB. The corresponding energy difference between the empty band minimum of the dopant and the valence band maximum for electron excitation is 0.173 eV. More importantly, this nondestructive p-type doping could be linearly tuned under an external E-field. Analysis of charge transfer by means of the equivalent capacitor model and the shift of energy levels in the superstructure of germanane/TCNB further reveals that the superposition of the external E-field and molecular adsorption-induced internal E-field plays a key role in the charge transfer between TCNB and germanane, especially in achieving a controllable p-type molecular doping level in germanane. Such convenient and flexible E-field-engineering of p-type molecular doping in germanane would be very helpful for potential applications of germanane-based electronic and optoelectronic devices in the future.

[Ratio of transfer cesarean section after trial of labor and maternal-fetal adverse outcomes based on Robson classifications]

Objective: To investigate the ratio of transfer cesarean section after trial of labor and maternal-fetal outcomes based on Robson classifications. Methods: The delivery data by cesarean section in Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2015 (gestational age ≥28 weeks and newborn birth weight >1 000 g) were retrospectively collected. The ratio of transfer cesarean section after trial of labor and maternal-fetal adverse outcomes were analyzed by weighted adverse outcome score in different Robson classifications. Results: (1) The highest ratio of transfer cesarean section after trial of labor was classification 9 (all abnormal lies, including previous cesarean section and breech were excluded) reached 47.31% (431/911) , followed by classification 2 (nulliparous women with a single cephalic pregnancy, ≥37 weeks gestation who had labour induced) accounted for 44.90%(409/911). (2)The tops of weighted adverse outcome score of transfer cesarean section after trial of labor were classification 10 (single cephalic pregnancy at <37 weeks gestation, including women with previous cesarean delivery) 24.55, classification 5 (single cephalic pregnancy multiparous women, with at least one previous cesarean delivery, ≥37weeks gestation) 3.64. Conclusion: Carefully evaluating the delivery mode and emphasizing the intrapartum management in nulliparous women with a single cephalic pregnancy, at ≥37 weeks gestation who had labour induced and trial of labor after cesarean section is essential to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes in transfer cesarean section after trial of labor.

Identification of virion-associated transcriptional transactivator (VATT) of SGIV ICP46 promoter and their binding site on promoter

BACKGROUND

Iridoviruses are large DNA viruses that cause diseases in fish, amphibians and insects. Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is isolated from cultured grouper and characterized as a ranavirus. ICP46 is defined to be a core gene of the family Iridoviridae and SGIV ICP46 was demonstrated to be an immediate-early (IE) gene associated with cell growth control and could contribute to virus replication in previous research.

METHODS

The transcription start site (TSS) and 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of SGIV ICP46 were determined using 5' RACE. The core promoter elements of ICP46s were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis. The core promoter region and the regulation model of SGIV ICP46 promoter were revealed by the construction of serially deleted promoter plasmids, transfections, drug treat and luciferase reporter assays. The identification of virion-associated transcriptional transactivator (VATT) that interact with SGIV ICP46 promoter and their binding site on promoter were performed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), DNA pull-down assays and mass spectrometry (MS).

RESULTS

SGIV ICP46 was found to have short 5'-UTR and a presumptive downstream promoter element (DPE), AGACA, which locates at + 36 to + 39 nt downstream of the TSS. The core promoter region of SGIV ICP46 located from - 22 to + 42 nt relative to the TSS. VATTs were involved in the promoter activation of SGIV ICP46 and further identified to be VP12, VP39, VP57 and MCP. A 10-base DNA sequence "ATGGCTTTCG" between the TSS and presumptive DPE was determined to be the binding site of the VATTs.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that four VAATs (VP12, VP39, VP57 and MCP) might bind with the SGIV ICP46 promoter and be involved in the promoter activation. Further, the binding site of the VATTs on promoter was a 10-base DNA sequence between the TSS and presumptive DPE.

[Characteristics analysis and control countermeasures of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats in a city from 2009 to 2018]

Objective: To conduct a characteristic analysis of the case of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats for nearly ten years in a city, and to research on prevention and control measures, so as to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention strategies. Methods: In July 2018, collecting the data of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats recorded by the Oceanic and Fishery Department & Health Sector from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2018, the accident characteristics of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats was analyzed, and compared the differences of hydrogen sulfide poisoning under different classification statistics. Results: In the past ten years, there were 14 acute poisonings in the city, 34 people were poisoned and 12 deaths (the case fatality rate was 35.3%) . According to the types of fishing vessels, the majority number of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning incidents, poisoned persons and deaths occurred on fishing boats, accounted for 71.4% (10/14) , 76.5% (26/34) and 75.0% (9/12) respectively. From the location of the accident, 85.7% (12/14) of the acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning incidents occurred outside the fishing port. Fisher's exact test showed that the case fatality rate in within the fishing port was higher than that outside the fishing port (P=0.008) . From the cause of direct poisoning, the first three reasons were enter the fish room to rescue, enter the fish room to move fresh catch, to clean the fish room. The poisoning showed seasonal changes, Fisher's exact test showed that the fatality rate in summer was significantly higher than that in spring (P=0.044) , but there was no statistical significance in other seasons (P>0.05) . Conclusion: The acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning of fishing boats in this city has a high case fatality rate, frequent collective poisoning, and showed seasonal changes. Blind rescue, incomplete facilities, and inadequate system are important factors leading to poisoning, so daily measures and rescue measures should be strengthened to reduce the occurrence of poisoning and casualties.

The function of microRNA-34a in osteoarthritis

AIM

To discuss the effects and mechanism of microRNA-34a in cell apoptosis induced by osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Collection of the normal and osteoarthritis synovial tissues and measurements of the miRNA-34a and TGIF2 gene expression. In the cell experiment, the cells were divided into Control, Blank and miRNA inhibitor group. The cell proliferation and apoptosis of the different groups were measured by MTT and flow cytometry and the TGIF2 protein expression in the different groups was evaluated by WB assay. The correlation between TGIF2 and miRNA-34a was analyzed by Double luciferase experiment.

RESULTS

Compared with normal synovial tissues, the miRNA-34a gene expression was significantly up-regulated and TGIF2 gene expression was significantly suppressed in osteoarthritis synovial tissues (p < 0.001, respectively). The cell proliferation was significantly depressed and the cell apoptosis rate was significantly increased in miRNA inhibitor group compared with the Control group (p < 0.001, respectively). Using the WB assay it was shown that the TGIF2 protein expression of miRNA inhibitor group was significantly suppressed compared with that of Control group (p < 0.01). By Double luciferase assay, TGIF2 gene was one target gene of miRNA-34a.

CONCLUSION

miRNA-34a could induce osteoarthritis synovial cell apoptosis via regulation of TGIF2 in vitro (Fig. 6, Ref. 29).

[Study on the general mental health status and influencing factors of Chinese Medical Team members]

Objective: To analyze the mental health status of the Chinese Medical Team (CMT) members and its influencing factors. Methods: A total of 1 015 members of the CMT were recruited and surveyed by using a self-administered questionnaire and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) from May 10 to June 10, 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for mental health problems. Results: A total of 808 subjects completed the questionnaire and an estimated 25.9% of them were suspected to have mental health problems (GHQ-12≥3). Logistic model analysis indicated that family life (OR=1.928, 95%CI: 1.162-3.197), domestic work status (OR=2.069, 95%CI: 1.210-3.538), father's health status (OR=1.703, 95%CI: 1.060-2.736), disease symptoms (OR=2.087, 95%CI: 1.363-3.194), captain (OR=1.996, 95%CI: 1.128-3.532), cultural differences (OR=2.439, 95%CI: 1.621-3.671) were the risk factors for mental health. Age (OR=0.736, 95%CI: 0.571-0.949), leisure activities (OR=0.654, 95%CI: 0.490-0.872) were the protective factors. Drinking habits (OR=7.439, 95%CI: 1.290- 42.900), loneliness (OR=4.094, 95%CI: 2.438-6.875), and respect from the hospital (OR=0.783, 95%CI: 0.610-1.004) were relative to mental health problems. Conclusion: CMT members have certain mental health problems, especially young members and captains. Therefore, interventions should be implemented to improve the mental health of CMT members and to promote the development of foreign aid work.

MiR-17-5p modulates mitochondrial function of the genioglossus muscle satellite cells through targeting Mfn2 in hypoxia

The root cause of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is repeated hypoxia during sleep. The genioglossus is one of the most important upper airway dilatation muscles and is important for maintaining normal oxygen supply during sleep. Hypoxia can directly affect the energy metabolism level of the genioglossus muscle, thereby weakening muscle function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate mitochondrial function at the post-transcriptional level and achieve recovery or even enhancement of genioglossus function, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, an intermittent hypoxic cell model was established to detect the effects of hypoxia on the proliferation and apoptosis of Genioglossus muscle satellite cells (GG MuSCs), and the damage to the mitochondrial structure and function was assessed by transmission electron microscopy and mitochondrial membrane potential. Then, miR-17-5p was upregulated and downregulated by miRNA mimics and inhibitors, respectively, and bioinformatics analysis was used to predict and validate the target genes of miR-17-5p. The results showed that the hypoxic environment affected the proliferation of GG MuSCs and mitochondrial membrane potential, which promoted the occurrence of apoptosis and mitochondrial edema. After upregulation of miR-17-5p, cell proliferative capacity and mitochondrial function were restored. Bioinformatics prediction and gene and protein level analyses found that Mfn2 may be a target gene of miR-17-5p. .

[Clinical implications and prognostic value of TP53 gene mutation and deletion in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes]

目的

探讨伴TP53基因异常骨髓增生异常综合征（MDS）患者的临床特征及预后。

方法

回顾性分析2009年10月至2017年12月中国医学科学院血液病医院新诊断的584例原发性MDS患者临床资料，采用包含112个血液肿瘤相关基因的靶向测序技术进行突变分析，并采用间期荧光原位杂交（FISH）技术检测TP53基因缺失。分析TP53基因突变和（或）缺失与临床特征之间的关系及其对患者总生存（OS）的影响。

结果

42例（7.2%）伴TP53基因异常，其中单纯基因突变31例（5.3%），单纯基因缺失8例（1.4%），同时伴有突变和缺失3例（0.5%）。34例伴TP53基因突变患者中共检测到37个TP53突变，其中35个位于DNA结合结构域（第5~8号外显子），1个位于第10号外显子，1个为剪切位点突变。伴TP53基因异常组的平均基因突变数目（2.52个）显著高于无异常组（1.96个）（z=−2.418，P=0.016）。伴TP53基因异常患者的中位年龄[60（21~78）岁]高于无异常患者[52（14~83）岁]（z=−2.188，P=0.029）；伴TP53基因异常组中复杂核型比例、IPSS较高危组（中危-2及高危）比例显著高于无异常组（P值均<0.001）。伴TP53基因异常组的中位OS期[13（95%CI 7.57~18.43）个月]较无异常组（未达到）显著缩短（χ²=12.342，P<0.001），但多因素模型纳入复杂核型进行校正后，TP53突变不再是独立预后因素。

结论

伴TP53基因异常MDS患者中基因突变较基因缺失常见，突变位点主要分布于DNA结合结构域。TP53基因异常与复杂核型相关，且常与多个基因突变相伴出现。在多因素模型纳入复杂核型校正后，TP53基因异常则不再是独立的预后因素。

[A study of clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary myelofibrosis patients with thrombocytopenia in varied degrees]

目的

探讨不同血小板水平原发性骨髓纤维化（PMF）患者的临床特征及其预后。

方法

对1990年5月1日至2017年4月30日在中国医学科学院血液病医院就诊的1 305例PMF患者进行回顾性分析。

结果

1 305例PMF患者中，重度血小板减少（PLT<50×10⁹/L）、轻度血小板减少［PLT（50～99）×10⁹/L］、无血小板减少患者（PLT≥100×10⁹/L）分别为320例（24.5％）、198例（15.2％）和787例（60.3％）。在血小板计数越低的组别中，HGB<100 g/L患者比例、WBC<4×10⁹/L患者比例和外周血原始细胞≥3％患者比例、异常染色体核型患者比例和预后不良染色体核型患者比例越高（P<0.001，P<0.001，P＝0.004，P<0.001，P<0.001），JAK2V617F突变阳性率越低（P<0.001）。血小板计数与脾肿大、HGB、WBC呈正相关（P值均<0.001，相关系数分别为0.131、0.445、0.156），与体质性症状和外周血原始细胞比例呈负相关（P值分别为0.009、0.045，相关系数为−0.096、−0.056）。重度血小板减少、轻度血小板减少、无血小板减少组患者中位生存时间分别为32、67、89个月（P<0.001）。血小板减少程度分组［HR＝1.693（95％CI 1.320～2.173），P<0.001］和动态国际预后积分系统（DIPSS）预后分级［HR＝2.051（95％CI 1.511～2.784），P<0.001］均为PMF患者独立不良预后因素。

结论

血小板计数越低的PMF患者出现贫血、白细胞减少和外周血原始细胞比例增高的比例越高、临床表现越重、预后越差，临床上应采取更加积极的治疗措施。

[Ruxolitinib combined with prednisone, thalidomide and danazol for treatment of myelofibrosis: a pilot study]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ruxolitinib combined with prednisone, thalidomide and danazol for treatment of in myelofibrosis (MF). Methods: Patients of MF according to the WHO 2016 criteria, received ruxolitinib (RUX) combined with prednisone, thalidomide and danazol (PTD). The response, changes of blood counts and adverse events were evaluated. Results: Six PMF and one post-ET MF patients were enrolled. Four patients presented JAK2V617F mutation, one CALR mutation, one MPL mutation, one triple-negative. Responses per IWG-MRT criteria were clinical improvement in 5 patients, stable disease in 2 ones, spleen response in 6 ones. All of 7 patients were symptomatic responses, four patients achieved at least 50% improvement from baseline on MPN-SAF TSS. Three patients initially treated with RUX alone, all of 3 patients experienced treatment-associated anemia and thrombocytopenia. Then these 3 patients received RUX combined with PTD, both hemoglobin and platelet increased significantly. Four patients initially treated with RUX combined with PTD. Increased levels of hemoglobin and platelet were seen in all of 7 patients received RUX combined with PTD with maximum increased hemoglobin of 30(18-54) g/L and maximum increased platelets of 116(13-369)×10(9)/L, respectively from baseline. The treatment dose of RUX increased due to improved platelet count in 3 patients. The frequent non-hematologic adverse events grade 1-2 were constipation, abdominal distension, crura edema and increased ALT. Conclusions: RUX combined with PTD for treatment of MF may modulate initial hematologic toxicity observed when RUX alone, and may increase response due to improved levels of hemoglobin or platelet.

[Extirpation of primary malignancies in the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa via modified maxillary swing approach]

Five patients with primary malignancies in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infra temporal fossa (ITF) were enrolled in this retrospective study between January 2012 and January 2018. After malignancies proven by biopsy and evaluation with CT and MRI scan, all patients received modified maxillary swing (MMS) approach for extirpation of malignant tumors in the PPF and ITF under general anesthesia. En bloc resection with wide surgical margins was successfully performed in all cases. Negative margins were observed in 4 cases and positive margins were found in one patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma who received postoperative radiotherapy. The most common complication was facial numbness. During the follow-up period (range 12 to 57 months), one patient suffered from recurrence while others did not. The advantages of MMS include wide surgical field, full exposure and easy manipulation. The MMS approach is expected to become an standard method for monobloc resection of malignancies in the PPF and ITF.

[Clinical effect of nasal endoscope combined with supporting laryngoscope surgery in the treatment of polyps of vocal cord and its influence on voice function of patients]

Objective:To explore the clinical value of nasal endoscope combined with supporting laryngoscope surgery in the treatment of polyps of vocal cord. Method:Ninety-four patients with vocal cord polyps were randomly divided into the control group (47 cases) and the observation group (47 cases). The patients in the control group were treated with simply supporting laryngoscope surgery while the patients in the observation group were treated with nasal endoscope combined with supporting laryngoscope. The therapeutic effects, voice function changes before and after operation, complications and recurrence of the two groups were observed. Result:The total effective rate was 93.62% in the observation group, compared to 78.72% in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group was 8.51%, compared with 25.53% in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Six months after operation, there was no recurrence in the observation group, but the recurrence rate in the control group was 4.26%. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). 12 months after operation, the recurrence rate of the observation group was 2.13%, compared with 14.89% of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion:Nasal endoscope combined with supporting laryngoscope for vocal cord polyps has a definite effect and can significantly improve the voice function of patients with high safety and low recurrence rate, which is worthy of promotion..

[Investigation of hearing loss and speech recognition ability of the elderly and analysis of its high risk factors]

Objective: To investigate the hearing loss and speech disorders in the elderly, to analyze the risk factors of the elderly deafness, as well as to provide reference for the clinical research of the elderly deafness. Methods: From March 2016 to March 2018, 913 elderly people, who were tested for hearing and speech disorders, were examined by a unified questionnaire to investigate the demographic data of the subjects and the related factors of deafness, and the hearing and speech recognition tests were carried out. According to the hearing loss, the hearing impaired group was divided into the hearing impaired group (500, 1 000, 2 000 and 4 000 Hz, the average hearing threshold>25 dBHL) and the non hearing impaired group (the average hearing threshold of the four frequencies ≤25 dBHL), and then the single factor analysis and the unconditional Logistic regression analysis were used. Finally, the risk factors of senile deafness were analyzed. Results: Of the 913 elderly subjects in the survey, 389 (42.61%, 389/913) had no hearing impaired, 345 (37.79%, 345/913) were mild hearing impaired, and 149 (16.32%, 149/913) had moderate hearing loss. Twenty-six patients were severe hearing loss (2.85%, 26/913); 4 patients had severe hearing loss (0.44%, 4/913). Among the 524 hearing-impaired elderly, there were 244 speech-recognition disorders (46.56%, 244/524), of whom 106 were mild hearing-impaired, accounting for 30.72% (106/345), 108 were moderate hearing loss, accounting for 72.48% (108/149), 26 were severe hearing loss, accounting for 100% (26/26), and 4 were the profound hearing loss, accounting for 100% (4/4). Statistical analysis showed that the age, job status, history of hypertension, history of hyperglycemia, and smoking history were independent risk factors for senile hearing loss (P<0.05). Conclusions: High incidences of hearing and speech recognition obstacle are found in health examination for the elderly patients. Noise exposure, age, history of hypertension, high blood sugar, and smoking history are high-risk factors for senile deafness, therefore, prevention and rehabilitation programs are urgent to be developed.

The mitochondrial type IB topoisomerase drives mitochondrial translation and carcinogenesis

Mitochondrial topoisomerase IB (TOP1MT) is a nuclear-encoded topoisomerase, exclusively localized to mitochondria, which resolves topological stress generated during mtDNA replication and transcription. Here, we report that TOP1MT is overexpressed in cancer tissues and demonstrate that TOP1MT deficiency attenuates tumor growth in human and mouse models of colon and liver cancer. Due to their mitochondrial dysfunction, TOP1MT-KO cells become addicted to glycolysis, which limits synthetic building blocks and energy supply required for the proliferation of cancer cells in a nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, we show that TOP1MT associates with mitoribosomal subunits, ensuring optimal mitochondrial translation and assembly of oxidative phosphorylation complexes that are critical for sustaining tumor growth. The TOP1MT genomic signature profile, based on Top1mt-KO liver cancers, is correlated with enhanced survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Our results highlight the importance of TOP1MT for tumor development, providing a potential rationale to develop TOP1MT-targeted drugs as anticancer therapies.

miRNA-31 over-expression improve synovial cells apoptosis induced by RA

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and mechanism of miRNA-31 in synovial cells apoptosis induced by RA.

METHODS

The miRNA-31 gene expressions were extracted from synovial tissues of normal and RA patients by RT-PCR and H et E staining. The synovial cells of RA patients were isolated and randomly divided into Control, Blank and miRNA groups. The cell apoptosis of difference groups were measured by flow cytometry; the TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations of difference groups were measured by Elisa assay; TLR4 and NF-κB proteins expressions were measured by WB assay and the correlation between TLR4 and miRNA-31 were evaluated by double luciferase target experiment.

RESULTS

The miRNA-31 gene expression was significantly suppressed in RA tissues (p<0.001); Compared with control group, the cell apoptosis rate of miRNA group was significantly suppressed (p<0.001); TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations were significantly down-regulation in culture fluid (p<0.001, respectively) and TLR4 and NF-κB proteins expressions were significantly depressed (p<0.001, respectively) in miRNA group. By double luciferase target experiment, the TLR4 was a target gene of miRNA-31.

CONCLUSION

miRNA-31 is a key role in synovial cells apoptosis induced by RA (Fig. 7, Ref. 23).

Effects of different degrees of depression on inflammatory response and immune function in patients with ovarian cancer

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of depression of different degrees on inflammatory response and immune function in patients with ovarian cancer. One hundred and eight cases of ovarian cancer according to the Federation Internationale of Gynecologie and Obstetrigue (FIGO) stage II~III who visited the Gynecology Department of Affiliated HongQi Hospital of MuDanJiang Medical University between September 2015 and May 2017 were enrolled in the study. After being hospitalized, they were divided into two groups according to their Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. The total score of BDI is 63, with 0~4 for the normal group (25 cases), 5~13 for the mild depression group (24 cases), 14~20 for the moderate depression group (28 cases), and 21~63 for the severe depression group (31 cases). The immune function, inflammatory reaction, tumor markers [CA125, human epididymis protein-4 (HE4), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)], platelet technology and D-dimer index were compared between the four groups. The results showed that there were different levels of depression in patients with ovarian cancer in II~III stage, and the degree of depression could stimulate the level of serum-6, and TNF -α in serum increased. The proportion of CD3+, CD4+ and NK cells in patients with severe depression decreased, and their immunity also decreased. Depression increased the levels of CA125, HE4 and IGF-I in serum and ascites of ovarian cancer patients, and increased the risk of tumor progression and recurrence. Hypercoagulability existed in patients with ovarian cancer, and tumor associated depression could increase platelet count in plasma and increase D-dimer level. To sum up, depression can affect the level of micro inflammation in patients with ovarian cancer. In particular, depression can reduce cellular immune responses, affect the progression free survival of ovarian cancer patients, and reduce their overall survival rate.

[Targeted sequencing analysis of hyper-eosinophilic syndrome and chronic eosinophilic leukemia]

Objective: Analysis of the molecular characteristics of eosinophilia. Methods: Targeting sequence to 24 patients with chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) with rearrangement of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1 and 62 patients with hyper-eosinophilic syndrome (HES). Mutation annotation and analysis of amino acid mutation using authoritative databases to speculate on possible pathogenic mutation. Results: Thirty-seven kinds of clonal variant were detected from 17 patients with CEL, no recurrent mutation site and hot spot region were found. No pathogenic mutation was detected in 19 patients with PDGFRA rearrangement, but pathogenic mutations of ASXL1, RUNX1 and NRAS were detected from 2 patients with FGFR1 rearrangement who progressed to acute myeloid leukemia and 1 patient with PDGFRB rearrangement who progressed to T lymphoblastic lymphoma, respectively. One hundred and two kinds of clonal abnormalities were detected in 49 patients with HES. The main hot spot mutation regions included: CEBPA Exon1, TET2 Exon3, ASXL1 Exon12, IDH1 Y208C, and FGFR3 L164V. CRRLF2 P224L and PDGFRB R370C point mutations were detected separately in 2 patients with HES who treated with imatinib monotherapy and achieved hematologic remission. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of CEL with PDGFRA, PDGFRB or FGFR1 rearrangement is usually single, and the progression of the disease may involve other driver mutation. A variety of genes with hot mutation regions may be involved in the pathogenesis of HES, and some mutation sites are sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Identification of a potential functional single nucleotide polymorphism for fatness and growth traits in the 3'-untranslated region of the PCSK1 gene in chickens

Prohormone convertase 1/3 is a serine endoprotease belonging to the subtilisin-like proprotein convertase family that is encoded by the () gene, and its major function is the processing and bioactivation of the proproteins of many kinds of neuroendocrine hormones, including insulin, cholecystokinin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. The results of our previous genomewide association study indicated that the gene might be an important candidate gene for fatness traits in chickens. The objectives of this study were to investigate the tissue expression profiles of gene and to identify functional variants associated with fatness and growth traits in the chicken. The results indicated that mRNA was widely expressed in various tissues, especially neuroendocrine and intestinal tissues. Of these 2 tissue types, mRNA expression in lean males was significantly higher than in fat males. A SNP in the 3' untranslated region of (c.*900G > A) was identified. Association analysis in the Arbor Acres commercial broiler population and Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF) population showed that the SNP c.*900G > A was associated with abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat percentage, BW, metatarsus length, and metatarsal circumference. In the 5th to 19th generation (G to G) of NEAUHLF, the allele frequency of c.*900G > A changed along with selection for abdominal fat content. At G, allele G of c.*900G > A was predominate in the lean line, whereas allele A was predominate in the fat line. Functional analysis demonstrated that allele A of c.*900G > A reduced mRNA stability and consequently downregulated gene expression. These results suggested that c.*900G > A was a functional SNP for fatness and growth traits in the chicken. The results of this study provide basic molecular information for the role of gene in avian growth and development, especially obesity.

[Association between single nucleotide polymorphismsin human heat shock protein 70 gene and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at rs1043618, rs2075800, and rs2763979 in human heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) . Methods: A case-control study was performed, and 5 934 workers exposed to noise in an iron and steel plant in Henan, China, who underwent physical examination from 2006 to 2015, were enrolled as study subjects. According to the criteria of binaural average high - frequency (3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz) hearing threshold≥40 dB (HL) and monauralaverage speech-frequency (500, 1000, 2000 Hz) hearing threshold≥26 dB (HL) on the basis of binauralhigh frequency loss measured by pure tone audiometry, as well as the exclusion of NIHL, a total of 286 workers were enrolled as hearing loss group; after the adjustment for sex, type of work, age (difference≤5 years) , and working years of noise exposure (difference ≤2 years) , 286 workers were enrolled as control group. A 2 ml blood genomic DNA extraction kit was used to perform DNA extraction for the peripheral blood samples, and a multiple SNP typing kit was used to determine the genotypes at the three loci in 572 samples. The association between the SNPs at the three loci and susceptibility to NIHL was analyzed. Results: In all workers, the equivalent sound level (L(Aeq)) of noise was 75.0~96.8 dB (A) . The hearing loss group had a significantly higher binauralhigh - frequencyhearing threshold than the control group (t=56.908, P<0.05) . With CC+TC genotype as control, TT genotype at rs2763979 in HSP70 gene was associated with the susceptibility to NIHL (OR=1.731, 95%CI 1.021-2.935) . In the group with cumulative noise exposure of 96 dB (A) ·year, TT genotype at rs2763979was associated with the susceptibility to NIHL (OR=5.694, 95%CI 1.256-25.817) . The rs1043618 and rs2075800 loci of HSP70 were not associated with the susceptibility to NIHL (both P>0.05) . After the adjustment for confounding factors including smoking and drinking, haplotype CCT was associated with the susceptibility to NIHL (OR=1.425, 95%CI 1.035-1.961) . Conclusion: TT genotype at rs2763979 of HSP70 gene and haplotype CCT are risk factors for NIHL.

Rs13293512 polymorphism located in the promoter region of let-7 is associated with increased risk of radiation enteritis in colorectal cancer

RE (Radiation enteritis) has been characterized by the inflammation reaction, and in this study, we aim to explore inflammatory cytokines and underlying mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of RE. Luciferase assay was performed to explore whether polymorphism affected the expression of let-7, and also validated let-7 directly regulated f IL-6 expression. Then Elisa was performed to study the mechanism of rs13293512 polymorphism associated with enteritis occurrence. And Western-blot and real-time PCR were performed to verify the relationship between let-7 and IL-6. 380 colorectal cancer patients were recruited, and all participants were genotyped. We found that occurrence probability of enteritis patients carried CC genotype (32%) was much higher than that in TT and TC groups (15%). In addition, we showed that the presence of the minor (C) allele of the polymorphism in the promoter region of let-7 substantially reduced the transcription activity of let-7, furthermore, we validated that let-7 directly regulated IL-6 expression by using luciferase reporter system. Moreover, IL-6 was highly expressed in peripheral blood and colonic mucosa samples genotyped as CC compared to those in TT and TC groups, furthermore, IL-6 was highly expressed in peripheral blood and colonic mucosa samples from participants with enteritis than without enteritis, whereas let-7 was highly expressed in peripheral blood and colonic mucosa samples genotyped as TT and TC compared to those in CC groups. Let-7 polymorphism (rs13293512) was associated with risk of RE in the colorectal cancer patients who received radiotherapy.

[Analysis of the impact of decitabine treatment cycles on efficacy and safety in patients of myelodysplastic syndrome-refractory anemia with excess blasts]

目的

评估地西他滨治疗骨髓增生异常综合征(MDS)难治性贫血伴有原始细胞过多(RAEB)患者的疗效和不良反应与治疗疗程数的关系。

方法

2008年12月至2016年3月中国医学科学院血液病医院MDS诊疗中心共有56例RAEB患者接受了地西他滨20 mg·m⁻²·d⁻¹×5 d方案治疗，回顾性分析其临床特征、疗效、疗效影响因素及不良反应。

结果

RAEB-1 25例，RAEB-2 31例。中位治疗3(1~15)个疗程。总有效[完全缓解(CR)＋骨髓完全缓解(mCR)+血液学改善(HI)]率为67.9%(38/56)，其中10例(17.8%)CR, 8例(14.3%)mCR但无HI，17例(30.4%)mCR同时有HI, 3例(5.4%)单纯HI。中位随访7.9(1.0~56.3)个月，中位生存期为21.1(95%CI 16.0~26.1)个月。RAEB-1患者的疗效(总有效率为88.0%)显著优于RAEB-2患者(总有效率为51.6%)(P=0.004)，多因素分析证实其为影响疗效的独立预后因素(OR=6.03，95%CI 1.39~26.09，P=0.016)。地西他滨治疗有效的38例患者中，37例(97.4%)在1~2个疗程起效，25例(65.8%)在2个疗程内达到最佳疗效，37例(97.4%)在4个疗程内达最佳疗效。主要不良反应为3级以上血细胞减少及感染，在治疗早期(第1~2疗程)中较常见，治疗有效后随疗程增加，发生率逐渐下降，其他非血液学不良反应发生率低。

结论

地西他滨标准剂量5天方案治疗RAEB疗效肯定。治疗有效患者常在第1~2个疗程起效，4个疗程内达最佳疗效。主要不良反应为血细胞减少及感染，常见于前2个疗程，起效后后续疗程不良反应发生率显著降低。

[Influence of WeChat platform on the compliance of continuous treatment of scar in adult burn patients]

Objective: To explore influence of the WeChat platform on the compliance of continuous treatment of scar in adult burn patients. Methods: A total of 124 adult burn patients, conforming to the study criteria, admitted in the Department of Burns of our hospital from January 2015 to January 2016 were divided into WeChat group (n=63) and control group (n=61) according to the random number table. Patients in control group only received regular discharging rehabilitation guide, while patients in WeChat group received regular discharging rehabilitation guide and joined WeChat platform after being discharged from hospital. Through pushing rehabilitation plan and rehabilitation related knowledge, organizing support discussion of burn patients, answering the patients' questions, members of WeChat platform intervention group conducted continuous treatment for 6 months on patients of WeChat group. The compliance of functional exercise of patients in two groups in one week before discharge and 3 and 6 months after discharge was evaluated by using the self-made functional exercise compliance log sheet. The compliance of using anti-scar drug and appliance of patients in two groups in 3 and 6 months after discharge was evaluated by using self-made anti-scar drug and appliance usage log sheets. Data were processed with chi-square test, independent sample t test, non-parametric rank sum test of independent sample, and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: (1) The compliance ratio of functional exercise of patients in WeChat group (95.24%, 60/63) was close to 93.44% (57/61) in control group in one week before discharge (χ(2)=0.188, P>0.05). The compliance ratios of functional exercise of patients in WeChat group were respectively 93.65% (59/63) and 87.30% (55/63) in 3 and 6 months after discharge, which were higher than 68.85% (42/61) and 65.57% (40/61) in control group (χ(2)=12.615, 8.166, P<0.01). (2) The compliance of using anti-scar drug of patients in WeChat group was significantly better than that in control group in 3 and 6 months after discharge (Z=-4.150, -4.563, P<0.01). (3) The compliance of using anti-scar appliance of patients in WeChat group in 3 and 6 months after discharge was obviously better than that in control group (Z=-4.242, -4.301, P<0.01). Conclusions: By using WeChat platform to provide guide for scar rehabilitation continuous treatment, adult burn patients have better compliance to functional exercise and usage of anti-scar drug and appliance.

[Gene mutations from 511 myelodysplastic syndromes patients performed by targeted gene sequencing]

Objective: To study the characteristics of gene mutations in Chinese myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. Methods: A total of 511 Chinese patients with MDS performed 112-gene targeted sequencing were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Eighty-three distinct mutant genes were found in 511 patients with MDS. Amongst these, the most frequent mutations was associated with epigenetics (50%) , followed by spliceosome (37%) , signal transduction (34%) , transcription factors (24%) and cell cycle/apoptosis (17%) . 439 subjects (86%) had at least one gene mutation. The mean number of mutations in refractory anemia with unilineage dysplasia (RCUD) was 1.25, refractory anemia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD) was 1.73, refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) was 2.79, refractory anemia with excess blasts-1 (RAEB-1) was 2.22, RAEB-2 was 2.34, MDS with isolated 5q- was 2.67, MDS, unclassified (MDS-U) was 2.00. U2AF1 mutant subjects were more likely to have isolated+8[Q<0.001, OR=4.42 (95% CI 2.23-8.68) ]and less likely to have complex karyotypes[Q=0.005, OR=0.22 (95% CI 0.04-0.72) ]. According to the number of gene mutations, all subjects were categorized into three groups, namely group with 0-1 mutation, with 2 mutations and with three or more mutations. There was a significant difference in overall survival (OS) among three groups (P=0.041) . Conclusion: About 90% patients with MDS have at least one gene mutation. Genes associated with epigenetics and spliceosome are most common mutated genes in MDS. The increased numbers of gene mutations accompany with disease evolution and associate with poor prognosis.

[Polymorphisms of 19 STR Loci in Guizhou Han Population and Their Forensic Application]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the allelic distribution of 19 autosomal STR loci in Guizhou Han population, and to estimate the forensic application value.

METHODS

The 19 autosomal STR loci in 520 unrelated healthy individuals from Guizhou Han population were studied using Goldeneye™ 20A kit. The 310 genetic analyzer was used for capillary electrophoresis, and the GeneMapper®ID v3.1 for genotyping.

RESULTS

The heterozygosis, the discrimination power, the probability of exclusion, the polymorphism information content, the cumulative discrimination power and the cumulative probability of exclusion of the 19 STR loci were 0.603 8-0.916 4, 0.790 0-0.985 6, 0.295 5-0.826 9, 0.553 5-0.908 9, 1-1.230 0×10⁻²² and 0.999 999 99, respectively. Compared with other five Han populations in pairwise allelic frequencies, Guizhou Han only had significant differences with Shandong Han, Liaoning Han and Shanxi Han.

CONCLUSIONS

The 19 autosomal STR loci such as D19S433 have a highly genetic polymorphic in Guizhou Han population, which have application values in the researches of population genetics and forensic genetics.

First-line icotinib versus cisplatin/pemetrexed plus pemetrexed maintenance therapy for patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma (CONVINCE): a phase 3, open-label, randomized study

BACKGROUND

Icotinib has been previously shown to be non-inferior to gefitinib in non-selected advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients when given as second- or further-line treatment. In this open-label, randomized, phase 3 CONVINCE trial, we assessed the efficacy and safety of first-line icotinib versus cisplatin/pemetrexed plus pemetrexed maintenance in lung adenocarcinoma patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible participants were adults with stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinoma and exon 19/21 EGFR mutations. Participants were randomly allocated (1 : 1) to receive oral icotinib or 3-week cycle of cisplatin plus pemetrexed for up to four cycles; non-progressive patients after four cycles were maintained with pemetrexed until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by independent response evaluation committee. Other end points included overall survival (OS) and safety.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and August 2014, 296 patients were randomized, and 285 patients were treated (148 to icotinib, 137 to chemotherapy). Independent response evaluation committee-assessed PFS was significantly longer in the icotinib group (11.2 versus 7.9 months; hazard ratio, 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.87; P = 0.006). No significant difference for OS was observed between treatments in the overall population or in EGFR-mutated subgroups (exon 19 Del/21 L858R). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) in the icotinib group were rash (14.8%) and diarrhea (7.4%), compared with nausea (45.9%), vomiting (29.2%), and neutropenia (10.9%) in the chemotherapy group. AEs (79.1% versus 94.2%; P < 0.001) and treatment-related AEs (54.1% versus 90.5%; P < 0.001) were significantly fewer in the icotinib group than in the chemotherapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line icotinib significantly improves PFS of advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutation with a tolerable and manageable safety profile. Icotinib should be considered as a first-line treatment for this patient population.

[A cohort study on occupational noise induced hearing loss in workers at an iron and steel plant]

Objective: To analyze the incidence rate of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in noise-exposed workers in an iron and steel plant from 2006 to 2015. Methods: Using a cohort study method, workers exposed to occupational noise from Jan 1, 2006 to Dec 12, 2015 were followed up and the pure tone hearing test was conducted. In total, 6 297 subjects completed two or more physical checks and the pure tone hearing test and were included in the analysis. The noise exposure level at the workplace and the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for workers was monitored and the cumulative noise exposure dose was evaluated. The subjects were divided into low, middle and high exposure groups according to the noise exposure level, and the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for 8 hours for each group was 80.6-85.0, 85.1-90.0 and 90.1-103.4 dB (A), respectively. While the RR and 95% CI were derived from unconditional logistic regression models. In logistic regression analysis, confounding factors such as age, gender, smoking habit, drinking habit, high temperature exposure and chemical hazards exposure level were controlled. Results: During the follow-up period, 392 cases of occupational noise-induced hearing loss were diagnosed among the 6 297 subjects, with an incidence rate of 6.23%; 318 cases of high-frequency hearing loss were diagnosed, with an incidence rate of 5.05%; and 74 cases of occupational noise-induced deafness were diagnosed, with an incidence rate of 1.18% . The incidence rates of hearing loss among the high, medium and low exposure groups were 9.22% (158/1 737), 6.49% (204/3 142) and 2.08% (30/1 442), respectively; the rates of high-frequency hearing loss were 7.41% (127/1 737), 5.25% (165/3 142) and 1.80% (26/1 442), respectively; and the rates of occupational noise-induced deafness were 1.81% (31/1 737), 1.24% (39/3 142) and 0.28% (4/1 442), respectively. For the groups corresponding to cumulative noise exposure doses of ≤84.99, 85.00- 87.99, 88.00- 90.99, 91.00- 93.99, 94.00- 96.99, 97.00- 100.99, 101.00- 102.99 and ≥103.00 dB (A) · year, the incidence rates of hearing loss were 0 (0/185), 1.22% (2/164), 2.52% (17/674), 3.83% (35/913), 5.80% (106/1 827), 6.02% (67/1 113), 9.20% (95/1 003) and 18.04% (70/388), respectively. Compared with the low exposure group, the RR of hearing loss, high-frequency hearing loss and occupational noise-induced deafness for the high exposure group were 4.78 (95% CI: 3.22- 7.11), 4.36 (95% CI: 2.84- 6.69) and 6.63 (95% CI: 2.33- 18.82), respectively; and for the medium exposure group were 3.27 (95% CI: 2.22-4.82), 3.02 (95% CI: 1.99-4.59) and 4.52 (95% CI: 1.61-12.67), respectively. Conclusion: The incidence rate of hearing loss for workers exposed to noise in an iron and steel plant was related to the cumulative noise exposure dose, gender, age, educational level, smoking habits, drinking habits and exposure to high temperature.

[Molecular epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis viruses isolated in Yunnan province, 1977-2010]

Objective: To understand the genetic and molecular epidemiologic characteristics of 63 strains of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) isolated in Yunnan province, China during 1977-2010. Methods: Suckling mice were inoculated with viruses continuously and the viral nucleic acid were extracted from the brain-grinding supernatants of the infected and moribund mice, then the gene fragments of E region were amplified by RT-PCR. Bioinformatics (Clustal X, DNAstar, Mega 5.0 and other software) was used to analyze the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences and phylogenetic trees. Results: Yunnan strains of JEV could cause illness and deaths in suckling mice. The results of virus nucleic acid detection and sequencing indicated that nucleotide sequences of E gene of the 63 virus strains were obtained. Phylogenetic tree and homology analyses based on E genomes showed that 47 strains of the experimental virus belonged to genotype 1 (G-1) and 16 strains belonged to genotype 3 (G-3). The 47 isolates of G-1 were divided into 2 clades, of them, the earliest isolates of G-1 (M28, 1977 and BN82215, 1982) in Yunnan of China and the early isolates of G-1 (U70416, 1982; DQ084229, the year is unknown) in Thailand were in one clade, and the isolates of G-1 from 2007-2010 in Yunnan could be divided into 2 subgroups. The 16 isolates of G-3 from Yunnan were divided into 3 clades, among them, the isolates from 1970-1990s in Yunnan were in two clades, and the isolates from 2004 in Yunnan were in one clade. In addition, their main amino acid sites of antigenicity, pathogenic, virulence of both G-1 and G-3 had no significant change. Conclusion: JEV G-1 and G-3 co-circulated in Yunnan, and G-1 was predominant. The JEV strains isolated in different years and areas in Yunnan had different molecular epidemiologic characteristics and genetic diversity. The results of this study suggested that JEV G-1 might originate from Yunnan of China and adjacent Southeast Asia region.

Sleep disorders of acute thalamic stroke and its influence on plasma IL-17

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep disorders in acute thalamus stroke patients and plasma IL-17 levels and the mechanism through which inflammatory reactions develop in stroke. The study included two groups of patients: an experimental group consisting of 30 patients with thalamus stroke who received treatment at the Affiliated Hong Qi Hospital of Mu Dan Jiang Medical University during October 2015 to October 2016 and a control group consisting of 15 healthy volunteers. All the subjects included in the study were biochemically monitored for blood glucose, blood fats and IL-17 plasma levels. The sleep quality of all the subjects included in the study was evaluated [Epwort, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)] with 8-hour Polysonmography (PSG) monitoring. The experimental group was divided into 3 subgroups according to the part of the brain affected by stroke: anterior thalamus nucleus group, lateral thalamus nucleus group and medial thalamus nucleus group. The differences were analyzed between the experimental group and the control group in sleep quality scores, sleep structural changes, and plasma IL-17 levels. The differences in sleep structural scores were also analyzed according to different parts of the brain affected by stroke. The experimental group had a higher PSQI score compared with the control group, but this difference had no statistical significance (p>0.05). Compared with the control group, the N1 phase of the experimental group was longer while the N2 and N3 phases were shorter (p<0.05). There were no differences in sleep structure between the three regions of the brain affected by stroke (anterior thalamus nucleus group, lateral thalamus nucleus group and medial thalamus nucleus group) (p > 0.05). The plasma levels of IL-17 in the experimental group was higher compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the experimental group, the patients with hypersomnia had higher IL-17 levels than patients without hypersomnia (p<0.01). We can conclude that PSG can be used as an electrophysiology index for early detection of sleep disorders in thalamus stroke patients. Sleep disorders in patients with thalamus stroke persist a long time after the incident, therefore monitoring their sleep structure may become an important index to predict the prognosis of the disease. The increased level of IL-17 level in the experimental group shows its implication in appearance of sleep disorders of acute thalamus stroke through inflammatory mechanism.

Tamsulosin for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tamsulosin has been used for the off-label treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women. Over the past few years, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported the clinical effectiveness and safety of tamsulosin for LUTS in women. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tamsulosin in treating LUTS in women, which may resolve some of the current controversies over use of the drug and provide more reliable evidence for the use of tamsulosin. A literature review was performed to identify all published RCTs of tamsulosin for the treatment of LUTS in women. The search included the following databases: PUBMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trail Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database (VIP) and Wanfang Database. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six RCTs studies involving 764 female participants were included in the analysis. Four out of the six RCTs compared tamsulosin with placebo, one RCT compared tamsulosin with prazosin and the other study compared tamsulosin with tamsulosin combined with tolterodine. Two RCTs evaluated total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and improved total IPSS compared with the placebo (standardized mean difference=-4.08, 95% confidence interval=-5.93 to -2.23, P<0.00001). IPSS (storage symptom score), IPSS (voiding symptom score) and quality-of-life score also showed the similar effects. In addition, tamsulosin improved the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire score when compared with placebo in only one RCT. For urodynamic parameters, tamsulosin improved the average flow rate and the post-void residual volume when compared with prazosin and tolterodine combined with tamsulosin, respectively. Beyond that, the other parameters showed no significant difference between the treatment and control groups. On the basis of the present evidence, tamsulosin is an effective treatment for the relief of LUTS in women when compared with placebo. However, the safety of the tamsulosin remains unknown. Further, well-conducted trials that examine long-term outcomes are required.

Efficacy and safety of fosaprepitant in the prevention of nausea and vomiting following highly emetogenic chemotherapy in Chinese people: A randomized, double-blind, phase III study

The prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting was one of the most challenging supportive care issues in oncology, especially to highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). A total of 645 patients were randomized into fosaprepitant group (fosaprepitant/placebo 150 mg d1 in combination with granisetron and dexamethasone) or aprepitant group (aprepitant/placebo 125 mg d1; 80 mg d2‐d3 plus granisetron and dexamethasone).The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who had a complete response (CR) over the entire treatment course (0–120 hr, overall phase [OP]). It was assessed by using a non‐inferiority model, with a non‐inferiority margin of 10%. The difference of the CR rate was compared between two groups with chi‐square analysis. Six hundred and twenty‐six patients were included in the per protocol analysis. The percentage of patients with a CR in the fosaprepitant group was not inferior to that in the aprepitant group (90.85% versus 94.17%, p = .1302) during OP. Whether the cisplatin‐based chemotherapy or not, the CR rate of the fosaprepitant group was not inferior to that of the aprepitant group. Both regimens were well tolerated. The most common adverse event was constipation. Fosaprepitant provided effective and well‐tolerated control of nausea and vomiting associated with HEC in Chinese patients.

[Prognostic value of JAK2, MPL and CALR mutations in Chinese patients with primary myelofibrosis]

目的

评价JAK2、MPL和CALR基因突变在中国原发性骨髓纤维化（PMF）患者中的预后意义。

方法

回顾性分析402例PMF患者的临床资料及JAK2、MPL和CALR基因突变，应用Kaplan-Meier、Log-rank和Cox回归模型进行相关预后因素分析。

结果

402例PMF患者中男209例，女193例，中位年龄55(15~89）岁。JAKV617F基因突变189例（47.0%），MPLW515基因突变13例（3.2%），CALR基因突变81例（20.1%）[1型突变30例（37.0%），2型突变48例（59.3%），少见型突变3例（3.7%）]，119例（29.6%）未检测到JAK2、MPL和CALR基因突变。单因素分析显示，2型CALR突变或未检测到JAK2、MPL和CALR基因突变的患者中位生存期（74个月）短于检测到JAK2、MPL或1型及少见型CALR基因突变的患者（168个月）[HR=2.990（95% CI 1.935~4.619），P <0.001]。因此，将基因突变类型分为预后不良组（2型CALR突变和未检测到JAK2、MPL和CALR基因突变）和预后良好组（JAKV617F、MPLW515、1型及少见型CALR基因突变）。经多因素分析提出了中国PMF患者的动态国际预后积分系统（DIPSS-Chinese）分子预后积分系统，各参数赋值如下：DIPSS-Chinese低危组0分，中危组1分，高危组2分，2型CALR突变或未检测到JAK2、MPL和CALR基因突变积1分。402例患者中，低危组（0分）132例（32.8%），中危-1组（1分）143例（35.6%），中危-2组（2分）106例（26.4%），高危组（3分）21例（5.2%）。低危组中位生存时间未达到，中危-1组为156(95% CI 117~194）个月，中危-2组为60(95% CI 28~91）个月，高危组为22（95% CI 10~33）个月，总生存差异具有统计学意义（P<0.001）。DIPSS-Chinese分子预后积分系统较DIPSS-Chinese有更准确的预测能力（−2 log似然比分别为855.6和869.7，P=0.005）。

结论

在中国PMF患者中，2型CALR突变和未检测到JAK2、MPL和CALR突变是独立的不良预后因素，DIPSS-Chinese分子预后积分系统有更好的预测价值。

[The clinical characteristics, gene mutations and prognosis of chronic neutrophilic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestation, cytogenetics, gene mutations and prognostic factors of chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) . Methods: 16 CNL cases, according to WHO (2016) -definition, were reviewed retrospectively. Identifications of the CSF3R, ASXL1, SETBP1, CALR and MPL mutations were performed by direct sequencing. JAK2 V617F mutation was detected by AS-PCR. Results: Of the 16 CNL patients, the median age was 64 (43-80) years with a male predominance of 75% (12/16) . The median hemoglobin was 114 (81-154) g/L, with median WBC of 41.20 (26.05-167.70) (10(9)/L and median PLT of 238 (91-394) ×10(9)/L.The median level of marrow fibrosis (MF) was 1 (0-3) degree. There was no other cytogenetic abnormalities except t (1;7) (p32;q11) , +21 and 14ps+ for each. All the 16 CNL patients harbored CSF3R T618I mutation. ASXL1 mutations were identified in 81% (13/16) , while SETBP1 mutations were confirmed in 63% (10/16) . The CALR K385fs*47 mutation was found. There was no mutation in JAK2 V617F or MPL in the above 16 patients. The median overall survival (OS) of patients presented with WBC≥50×10(9)/L at diagnosis (11 months) was significantly shorter than of WBC<50×10(9)/L (39 months, P=0.005) . Conclusion: CSF3R T618I mutation was specific for CNL. The median OS of CNL patients was 24 months, and WBC≥50×10(9)/L at diagnosis was an unfavorable prognostic factor.

[Investigation into the relationship between mitochondrial 12 S rRNA gene, tRNA gene and cytochrome oxidase Ⅱ gene variations and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To explore the relationship between mitochondrial 12 S rRNA gene variation, tRNA gene variation and cytochrome oxidase Ⅱ gene point mutations and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Methods: A nested case-control study was performed that followed a cohort of 7 445 noise-exposed workers in a steel factory in Henan province, China, from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. Subjects whose average hearing threshold was more than 40 dB(A) in high frequency were defined as the case group, and subjects whose average hearing threshold was less than 35 dB(A) in high frequency and less than 25 dB (A) in speech frequency were defined as the control group. Subjects was recruited into the case group (n=286) and the control group (n=286) according to gender, age, job category and time of exposure to noise, and a 1∶1 case-control study was carried out. We genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mitochondrial 12 S rRNA gene, the mitochondrial tRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase Ⅱ gene using SNPscan high-throughput genotyping technology from the recruited subjects. The relationship between polymorphic sites and NIHL, adjusted for covariates, was analyzed using conditional logistic regression analysis, as were the subgroup data. Results: The average age of the recruited subjects was (40.3±8.1) years and the length of service exposure to noise was (18.6±8.9) years. The range of noise exposed levels and cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was 80.1- 93.4 dB (A) and 86.8- 107.9 dB (A) · year, respectively. For workers exposed to noise at a CNE level<98 dB (A) · year, smokers showed an increased risk of NIHL of 1.88 (1.16-3.05) compared with non-smokers; for workers exposed to noise at a CNE level ≥98 dB(A) · year, smokers showed an increased risk of NIHL of 2.53 (1.49- 4.30) compared with non-smokers. For workers exposed to noise at a CNE level<98 dB (A) · year, the results of univariate analysis and multifactor analysis, adjusted by smoking and CNE, suggested that the risk of NIHL in workers exposed to noise carrying the GG genotype (G827A) was lower than that of NIHL workers exposed to noise carrying the AA genotype (G827A) [OR (95% CI) were 0.18 (0.04- 0.82) and 0.19 (0.04- 0.88), respectively]. Conclusion: Smoking increased the risk of NIHL in the present study. For workers subjected to a CNE<98 dB(A)·year, the mitochondrial genetic variant G827A was found to be significantly associated with the risk of NIHL.

[Expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in lung adenocarcinoma and correlation with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status]

Objective: To investigate the expression of programmed cell death-1(PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1) in lung adenocarcinoma in correlation with clinical pathological parameters, especially with regard to different epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status. Methods: One hundred and nine cases of lung adenocarcinoma were collected during the period from Aug. 2010 to Jan. 2016, including 51 cases of EGFR wild type and 58 cases of EGFR mutations. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect PD-1/PD-L1 protein expression. Chi-square test was used to analyze the correlation between PD-1 and PD-L1 expression, and in correlation with clinicopathological parameters. All statistical analyses run by SAS 9.1 software. Results: The positive rates of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression were 68.8% (75/109) and 27.5% (30/109), respectively, with significant correlation between the two (P<0.05). PD-1 and PD-L1 expression rates were higher in 51 cases with EGFR wild type status (74.5% and 39.2%) than those in 58 EGFR mutation cases (63.8% and 17.2%); PD-1 expression was significantly associated with age (P<0.05); that of PD-L1 was closely correlated with histological type, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and EGFR status (P<0.05). Conclusions: PD-1 and PD-L1 expression profiles and their correlation with EGFR mutations are different from those with native EGFR. PD-L1 overexpression is closely correlated with larger tumor size and lymph node metastasis, suggesting it is a high-grade marker for lung adenocarcinoma.

[Analysis of association of human 8-oxoguanine giycosylase 1 polymorphism with the susceptibility of laryngeal cancer]

Objective: To study the association between human 8-oxoguanine giycosylase 1 (hOGG1) gene polymorphisms and the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. Methods: A total of 86 patients with laryngeal carcinoma treated in The Air Force General Hospital and the Bozhou People's Hospital of Anhui Province from Jan 2010 to Dec 2014 were included in experimental group, and 86 healthy adults were selected as control group. The hOGG1 gene polymorphisms of subjects in two group were detected with by polymerase chain reaction amplification and gene sequencing technology, the differences in hOGG1 gene polymorphisms between two groups were analyzed. Results: The frequencies of hOGG1 gene heterozygous type (Ser/Cys) and mutant type (Cys/Cys) in experimental group were higher than those in control group(P<0.05). Compared to individuals with hOGG1 gene Ser/Ser, individuals with hOGG1 gene Ser/Cys had a 2.97-fold increased risk of laryngeal carcinoma, and individuals with hOGG1 gene Cys/Cys had a 8.09-fold increased risk of laryngeal carcinoma. Stratified by smoking or not, it was found that the proportion of heterozygous type or mutant type in smokers was higher significantly than non-smokers (P<0.05). Conclusion: Individuals with hOGG1 gene heterozygous type (Ser/Cys) or mutant type (Cys/Cys) have a higher risk of laryngeal carcinoma, with interaction between these gene types and smoking, and the gene types could be used as predictors for the occurrence of laryngeal carcinoma.

[Correlation between morphogical factor of lateral plateau fracture and meniscus injury]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze morphological character of lateral tibial plateau fracture fragment, and its correlation to the presence of a meniscus injury in tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS

A total of 79 consecutive patients of the simple lateral tibial plateau fractures from July 2011 to July 2015 were included in this study, with 65 males and 14 females with an average age of (34.3±7.2) years and 22-61 years. According to Schatzker classification, 21 cases were of Type I, 41 cases Type II, and 17 cases Type III. The characteristics of lateral tibial plateau fractures were evaluated by plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The type and severity of meniscus injury were diagnosed by MRI scan. Three-dimensional measurements of the lateral fragment width (LFW), the lateral plateau depression (LPD), the coronal angulation of lateral fragment (CALF), and tibial plateau widening (TPW) were measured with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems(PACS) software. The patients with and without meniscus injuries were divided into different groups and analyzed respectively. Comparison of the above measurements between the two groups was analyzed by independent t test.

RESULTS

In all the 79 lateral tibial plateau fracture patients, 26 cases (32.9%) of meniscus injuries were detected by MRI. Among all the meniscus injury cases, 3 were of Schatzker I, 16 Schatzker II, and 7 Schatzker III. In meniscus intact group, the average LFW was (22.0±2.8) mm while in meniscus injury group it was (21.3± 3.3) mm (t=-1.008, P=0.317).The average LPD of non meniscus injury group was (5.4±2.8) mm, while in meniscus injury group was (8.7±2.8) mm (t=4.98, P=0.001). The average CALF of the two groups were 9.1°±6.1°and 10.6°± 7.1°, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.38, P=0.831). The average TPW was (3.0± 1.1) mm, and (4.8±1.7) mm of the two groups. There were significant differences between the two groups (t=5.216, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

There was no obvious correlation between the LFD and meniscus injury. The CALF of lateral tibial plateau fracture had no significant correlation with meniscus injury either. The degree of LPD and TPW may indicate injury of the meniscus in tibial plateau fractures.

Regulatory T-cell depletion in the gut caused by integrin β7 deficiency exacerbates DSS colitis by evoking aberrant innate immunity

Integrin α4β7 controls lymphocyte trafficking into the gut and has essential roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The α4β7-blocking antibody vedolizumab is approved for IBD treatment; however, high dose of vedolizumab aggravates colitis in a small percentage of patients. Herein, we show that integrin β7 deficiency results in colonic regulatory T (Treg) cell depletion and exacerbates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis by evoking aberrant innate immunity. In DSS-treated β7-deficient mice, the loss of colonic Treg cells induces excessive macrophage infiltration in the colon via upregulation of colonic epithelial intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and increases proinflammatory cytokine expression, thereby exacerbating DSS-induced colitis. Moreover, reconstitution of the colonic Treg cell population in β7-deficient mice suppresses aberrant innate immune response in the colon and attenuates DSS colitis. Thus, integrin α4β7 is essential for suppression of DSS colitis as it regulates the colonic Treg cell population and innate immunity.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus M protein blocks cell cycle progression at S-phase and its subcellular localization in the porcine intestinal epithelial cells

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) caused by virulent strains of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious enteric disease of swine characterized by severe enteritis, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. This study investigates the subcellular localization and function of PEDV M protein through examination of its effects on cell growth, cell cycle progression, and interleukin 8 (IL-8) expression. Our results revealed that the PEDV M protein is localized throughout the cytoplasm. The M protein altered swine intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC) growth and induced cell cycle arrest at the S-phase via the cyclin A pathway. The S-phase arrest is associated with a decrease in level of cyclin A. Furthermore, our results revealed that the M protein of PEDV does not induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and does not activate NF-κB which is responsible for IL-8 and Bcl-2 expression. This is the first report to demonstrate that the PEDV M protein is localized in the whole cell and induces cell cycle arrest at the S-phase. This study provides novel findings in the function of M proteins of PEDV.

2-(3',5'-Dimethoxybenzylidene) cyclopentanone, a novel synthetic small-molecule compound, provides neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke

2-(3',5'-Dimethoxybenzylidene) cyclopentanone (DMBC) is a novel small-molecule compound synthesized by our group. Here, we found that in rat models of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO), intraperitoneal injection (ip) of DMBC at 1h after ischemia reduced infarct volume, improved neurological deficits and increased the protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP 2) and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) in the ischemic cortex. Post-treatment of DMBC still produced neuroprotective effects even when administered at 6h after ischemia. In the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced astrocytes or HT22 cell injury, DMBC treatment decreased the OGD-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and increased the GFAP levels in astrocytes. In addition, Annexin-V-Fluos staining analysis revealed that DMBC treatment attenuated both OGD-induced apoptosis and necrosis in astrocytes. Western blotting analysis showed DMBC treatment inhibited the ischemia or OGD-induced increases in active cathepsin B in the ischemic cortex or in astrocytes or HT22 cells. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that DMBC treatment blocked the ischemia or OGD-induced release of cathepsin B from the lysosomes into the cytoplasm in the ischemic cortex or in astrocytes or HT22 cells. Taken together, our results indicate that DMBC can offer neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia with an extended therapeutic window and its mechanism might be associated with inhibition of the cathepsin B activation.

Integrated microRNA-mRNA analysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The main aim of this study was to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and potential target molecules of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The miRNA (GSE32678) and mRNA (GSE32676) expression profiles of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and healthy controls were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed miRNA and differentially expressed genes were identified by analyzing the microarray algorithm after data preprocessing. Functional analysis was conducted by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Analysis. miRNA-mRNA regulation pairs were obtained in TarMir database. The node degree of hsa-miR-200c, hsa-miR-429, and hsa-miR-200b (miRNA), and EFNB2, MYRIP, and PHF17 (mRNA) were extremely high in the miRNA-mRNA network, indicating that these miRNA and mRNA may play a key role in the development of pancreatic cancer. Our study screened out some target miRNAs and mRNAs for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which may be helpful in its diagnosis and treatment.