Dual-energy CT for differentiating early glottic squamous cell carcinoma from chronic inflammation and leucoplakia of vocal cord: comparison with simulated conventional 120 kVp CT

AIM

To evaluate the value of dual-energy (DE) computed tomography (CT) in discriminating early glottic squamous cell carcinoma (eGSCC) from chronic inflammation and leucoplakia of the vocal cord, and to compare the diagnostic efficiency of DECT with that of simulated conventional 120 kVp CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy patients with glottic lesions confirmed by histopathology (38 cases with eGSCC, 11 cases with chronic inflammation, 21 cases with leucoplakia) were enrolled in this prospective study. The DECT-derived parameters were measured and compared using independent sample t-test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance, and comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was made using the Z test to further select the best diagnostic parameters.

RESULTS

Significantly higher iodine concentration (IC), normalised IC (NIC), effective atomic number (Z_eff), 40-100 keV (20 keV-interval), slope(k), and Mix-0.3 values were found in eGSCC than those in chronic inflammation, leucoplakia, and inflammation + leucoplakia (all p<0.05). Compared with attenuation measurement of simulated conventional 120 kVp CT, the NIC, 60 keV values derived from DECT showed significantly higher AUC in discriminating these glottic lesions (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

DECT is more accurate for differentiating eGSCC from chronic inflammation and leucoplakia when compared with simulated conventional 120 kVp CT.

Modified V-Y Myocutaneous Flap With Vascular Pedicle for the Repair of Maxillofacial Skin Defects

OBJECTIVE

It is challenging to repair postoperative defect caused by skin tumor resection on the maxillofacial, which not only affects appearance but also impairs functions. To better repair skin defect on the maxillofacial, the application value of V-Y vascular myocutaneous flap was introduced in our study.

METHODS

Between June 2011 and December 2018, 16 patients with maxillofacial skin tumors who received extensive resection were enrolled in our study. The defect on the maxillofacial was repaired by V-Y vascular myocutaneous flap. The follow-up period lasted for 12 to 24 months.

RESULTS

All 16 cases of myocutaneous flaps survived with 1 case of partial venous congestion and 1 case of partial distal necrosis. No recurrence occurred during follow-up. The color and texture of myocutaneous flaps like those of the surrounding skin.

CONCLUSION

Featured with better freeness, larger repair range and aesthetic effect of "kite" flaps, V-Y vascular myocutaneous flap can repair the superior border of zygomatic arch pedicled with facial artery and repair 1.5 cm above the superior border of zygomatic arch pedicled with transverse facial artery for elderly patients in Asia.

Targeting EphA2 in cancer

Eph receptors and the corresponding Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands jointly constitute a critical cell signaling network that has multiple functions. The tyrosine kinase EphA2, which belongs to the family of Eph receptors, is highly produced in tumor tissues, while found at relatively low levels in most normal adult tissues, indicating its potential application in cancer treatment. After 30 years of investigation, a large amount of data regarding EphA2 functions have been compiled. Meanwhile, several compounds targeting EphA2 have been evaluated and tested in clinical studies, albeit with limited clinical success. The present review briefly describes the contribution of EphA2-ephrin A1 signaling axis to carcinogenesis. In addition, the roles of EphA2 in resistance to molecular-targeted agents were examined. In particular, we focused on EphA2's potential as a target for cancer treatment to provide insights into the application of EphA2 targeting in anticancer strategies. Overall, EphA2 represents a potential target for treating malignant tumors.

SARS-CoV-2: characteristics and current advances in research

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has spread rapidly across the world and become an international public health emergency. Both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV belong to subfamily Coronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae of the order Nidovirales and they are classified as the SARS-like species while belong to different cluster. Besides, viral structure, epidemiology characteristics and pathological characteristics are also different. We present a comprehensive survey of the latest coronavirus-SARS-CoV-2-from investigating its origin and evolution alongside SARS-CoV. Meanwhile, pathogenesis, cardiovascular disease in COVID-19 patients, myocardial injury and venous thromboembolism induced by SARS-CoV-2 as well as the treatment methods are summarized in this review.

Gene Signatures and Prognostic Values of m6A Genes in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor with a high rate of local invasion and early distant metastasis. Accumulating studies suggest that N6-methyladenosine methylation (m⁶A) is closely related to tumorigenesis. However, the relationship between m⁶A-related genes and prognosis of NPC is poorly understood. Our research aims to discover the prognostic value of m⁶A RNA methylation genes in NPC. In this study, we analyzed the differentially expressed m⁶A-related genes between NPC samples and normal control samples and found that two upregulated genes (YTHDF3 and IGF2BP2) and one downregulated gene (METTL3) were overlapped in GSE68799 and GSE53819. Next, we found that high expression of IGF2BP1 and low expression of METTL3 and YTHDF3 in NPC patients showed poor progression-free survival (PFS). Subsequently, the four m⁶A genes were selected for consensus cluster analysis, and risk models were established. The risk signature, using three genes (GF2BP1 + IGF2BP2 + METTL3), was an independent prognostic factor and predicts the clinicopathological features of NPC. Additionally, the GO, KEGG analysis, and CIBERSORT algorithm revealed that the risk signature was closely associated to immune infiltration in NPC. Finally, the expression and clinical significance of METTL3 were successfully validated in NPC tissues using immunohistochemical techniques. In conclusion, our finding revealed the potential role of m⁶A modification in NPC, providing novel insight into NPC prognosis and therapeutic strategies.

Tumor treating fields for high-grade gliomas

High-grade gliomas (HGG) are the most common malignant intracranial tumors with poor prognosis. Current treatments have not yielded optimal remission rates; there are no standard treatments for recurrent and drug-resistant gliomas. Tumor treating fields, which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could significantly improve progression free survival and the overall survival of glioma patients. In this review, we elaborate on the mechanism of tumor treating fields in tumor cells and detail various preclinical and clinical studies on gliomas. Tumor treating fields could be a promising option for patients with malignant tumors for which there are no standard treatment plans. Moreover, we identify several potential problems for the practical application of tumor treating fields and predict future directions for further studies. Tumor treating fields may be a potential therapy with high efficacy, fewer adverse effects, and high cost-effectiveness.

Preliminary application and evaluation of autograft reconstruction of parotid duct defect with submandibular gland duct for buccal cancer

Background: We aimed to preserve parotid function in patients with buccal carcinoma by applying a new surgical protocol based on reconstruction of parotid ductal defect with submandibular gland ductal.Aims/Objectives: The aim of this study is to introduce the method of autologous submandibular gland duct reconstruction for the treatment of parotid duct defect in buccal carcinoma, and to evaluate its clinical application in follow-up.Material and methods: A total of 28 patients with buccal carcinoma who underwent buccal and neck combined with radical surgery and vascularized flap transplantation were enrolled. Function of the reconstructed duct was reviewed in 6 months after surgery.Results: Both groups achieved good short-term results within 1 month after surgery. The 6-month postoperative angiography examination of the submandibular gland duct showed that 6% of patients in the submandibular gland duct graft group had a blockage or was not smooth. At the same time, 45% of the patients in the vein graft group had failure or obstruction, and the VAS score of pain was higher than that of the submandibular gland ductal graft group (p < .05).Conclusion and significance: Compared with vein grafting, the reconstruction of parotid ductal defect with submandibular gland ductal graft has better long-term effects.

Childhood trauma experience and obsessive-compulsive disorder in Chinese population: A case control study

Background

Childhood trauma is known to predispose to a variety of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, mood, and substance use. However, the relationship between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has not been well studied. The aim of the present study is to compare childhood trauma experience between OCD and controls, and explore its impact on symptoms of OCD.

Methods

One hundred eighty-five outpatients who met DSM-IV diagnosis of OCD and 132 gender- age- matched controls were included in this study. The Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETISR-SF) was administered to all participants to evaluate 4 types (general, physical, emotional and sexual) of trauma and its severity. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to measure the severity of symptoms of OCD patients.

Results

OCD patients showed a significantly greater severity in all four types of trauma when compare with controls. 77% of OCD patients reported at least one type of childhood trauma experience, and 18% reported sexual trauma. Sexual trauma experience is significantly associated with obsessive but not compulsive symptoms of OCD patients. When compared to female OCD patients, male patients reported significantly higher scores on general trauma, physical abuse and emotional abuse; but lower of sexual abuse.

Conclusion

The present study revealed the high prevalence of childhood trauma among OCD patients, which is consistent with evidence from previous studies suggesting that childhood trauma may play a role in the development of mental disorders. It may be important to consider the impact of childhood trauma in OCD clinical management.

Diversity and ochratoxin A-fumonisin profile of black Aspergilli isolated from grapes in China

Aspergillus spp. are a common contaminant of grapes and a major source of mycotoxins. China is the largest producer of grape in the world now, however, the toxigenic Aspergillus population on grape in this country is still largely unknown. In this study, a total of 345 strains were isolated from grapes of 13 main grapevine producing regions in China. Based on calmodulin gene sequences, eight species within Aspergillus section Nigri were identified. Among them, Aspergillus tubingensis (48.7%) was predominant, followed by Aspergillus welwitschiae (20.6%) and Aspergillus aculeatinus (11%). Average of contamination level was up to 64.19%, and we found the occurrence of section Nigri species on the surface of fresh grapes was significantly influenced by the climate (P<0.05). The subtropical monsoon climate showed the highest fungal detection rate (72.45%), followed by the temperate monsoon climate (49.82%), and the lowest frequency was found in the temperate continental climate (37.23%). Regarding mycotoxin-producing capacity, 4.4% of the total tested section Nigri isolates (137) were positive for ochratoxin A (OTA) production and 59.6% were fumonisin B2 (FB2) producers. Of those, Aspergillus carbonarius was the main OTA producer and A. welwitschiae and Aspergillus niger were the main FB2 producers with different toxigenic ability. Our results highlight the potential risk of OTA and FB2 contamination by A. carbonarius and A. welwitschiae on grape in China, respectively; management strategies should be considered for preventing and reducing the toxigenic Aspergillus and its mycotoxins.

Diagnostic performance of CT for differentiating peritoneal tuberculosis from peritoneal carcinomatosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of CT for differentiating peritoneal tuberculosis (PTB) from peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for papers published before 23 July 2019. The methodological quality of the studies was analysed. Overlapping descriptors used in different studies to denote the same image finding were subsumed under a single CT feature. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were pooled. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve (sROC) was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) of the included studies was calculated when possible.

RESULTS

Six studies were included and 17 CT features were analysed. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of smooth peritoneal thickening were 59% (95% CI: 52-66%) and 84% (95% CI: 79-88%), respectively. The AUC of smooth peritoneal thickening was 0.83. Omentum line/rim, lymph node necrosis or calcification, and mesenteric macro nodules had a pooled specificity ranging from 95% to 100% and a pooled sensitivity ranging from 12% to 67%. The other 12 signs had a pooled sensitivity ranging from 21% to 79% and a pooled specificity ranging from 19% to 81%. Omentum involvement (cake-like pattern) showed a threshold-effect, so only the AUC (=0.70) was calculated.

CONCLUSIONS

Smooth peritoneal thickening shows fairly good diagnostic accuracy, while omentum rim/line, lymph nodes necrosis or calcification, mesenteric macro nodules have good specificity but limited sensitivity. The informative features summarised in this study may aid clinical practice and future studies.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA AL049437 mitigates MPP+ -induced neuronal injury in SH-SY5Y cells via the microRNA-205-5p/MAPK1 axis

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been defined as critical regulators of various human diseases. However, the functions of lncRNAs in Parkinson's disease (PD) have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA AL049437 in PD and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

An in vivo model of PD was established using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), while an in vitro model was created using N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Gene expression was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The effects and mechanism of AL049437 in PD were explored using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence assay. The interaction between AL049437, miR-205-5p, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) was evaluated using luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays.

RESULTS

The expression of AL049437 was upregulated, while that of miR-205-5p was downregulated in MPTP-induced PD mouse model and MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Silencing of AL049437 mitigated MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, as demonstrated by increased cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, silencing of AL049437 alleviated MPP+-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, as indicated by the reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels and reactive oxygen species production. In addition, AL049437 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm of SH-SY5Y cells and functioned as an miR-205-5p sponge. Moreover, MAPK1 was identified as a downstream target of miR-205-5p. Remarkably, the impact of AL049437 silencing on MPP+-induced neuronal damage could be blocked by miR-205-5p inhibition or MAPK1 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of lncRNA AL049437 mitigates MPP+ -induced neuronal injury in SH-SY5Y cells by regulating the miR-205-5p/MAPK1 axis. Our research reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of AL049437 in PD progression.

Tunable Magnetoelastic Effects in Voltage-Controlled Exchange-Coupled Composite Multiferroic Microstructures

The magnetoelectric properties of exchange-coupled Ni/CoFeB-based composite multiferroic microstructures are investigated. The strength and sign of the magnetoelastic effect are found to be strongly correlated with the ratio between the thicknesses of two magnetostrictive materials. In cases where the thickness ratio deviates significantly from one, the magnetoelastic behavior of the multiferroic microstructures is dominated by the thicker layer, which contributes more strongly to the observed magnetoelastic effect. More symmetric structures with a thickness ratio equal to one show an emergent interfacial behavior which cannot be accounted for simply by summing up the magnetoelastic effects occurring in the two constituent layers. This aspect is clearly visible in the case of ultrathin bilayers, where the exchange coupling drastically affects the magnetic behavior of the Ni layer, making the Ni/CoFeB bilayer a promising next-generation synthetic magnetic system entirely. This study demonstrates the richness and high tunability of composite multiferroic systems based on coupled magnetic bilayers compared to their single magnetic layer counterparts. Furthermore, because of the compatibility of CoFeB with present magnetic tunnel junction-based spintronic technologies, the reported findings are expected to be of great interest for the development of ultralow-power magnetoelectric memory devices.

Survival comparision of three-dimensional radiotherapy alone with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for non-surgical esophageal carcinoma

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy is the main treatment method for patients with locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer. The aim of this study is to compare overall survival (OS) using 3D radiotherapy (3DRT) alone with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in 296 non-surgical esophageal carcinoma patients.

PATENTS AND METHODS

Over 10 years, of the 480 patients with esophageal carcinoma treated with 3DRT with or without chemotherapy, 148 patients each comprised 3DRT and CCRT groups after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The 5- and 10-year OS (P=0.337) and PFS (P=0.715) rates for 3DRT alone were 22.0%, 14.4% and 26.1%, 23.2%, respectively, compared with 28.8%, 18.6% and 34.7%, 29.1% for CCRT, respectively. CCRT did not improve 5-year and 10-year OS or PFS in 60-70Gy group (OS: 27.5% and 25.2%; 17.9% and 17.0%, P=0.938; PFS: 38.3% and 31.8%; 31.9% and 27.8%, P=0.890) nor reduce 10-year hematogenous metastasis (31.7% and 28.3%, P=0.698). CCRT improved 5-year OS and PFS of 50.0-59.9Gy group (OS: 33.3% and 12.0%, P=0.029; PFS: 33.1% and 10.6%, P=0.081). For 3DRT, the 5-year OS and PFS rates were significantly better in the 60-70Gy group (P=0.017) compared with 50.0-59.9Gy group (P=0.002). For CCRT group, 5-year OS and PFS favored the 50.0-59.9Gy group, but the difference was insignificant. Major toxicities were greater with CCRT compared with 3DRT.

CONCLUSION

For non-surgical esophageal carcinoma patients, 3DRT combined with CCRT was effective in prolonging both OS and PFS.

Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Modulates Medulloblastoma Progression In Vitro And In Vivo By Sponging miR-494-3p And Targeting EIF5A2

Background

Previous studies have shown that P73 antisense RNA 1T (non-protein coding), also known as TP73-AS1, is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and involved in the development of medulloblastoma. However, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA TP73-AS1 in medulloblastoma was still unclear, the present study was aimed to investigate the detailed functions and the mechanism of TP73-AS1 in regulation of medulloblastoma.

Materials and methods

The levels of TP73-AS1, miR-494-3p, and Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), in situ hybridization (ISH), or Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The function of TP73-AS1 in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of medulloblastoma cells was evaluated using cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The protein levels were determined by Western blot. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assay were used to search and confirm the target gene of TP73-AS1 and miR-494-3p. The effect of TP73-AS1 knockdown in vivo was detected by animal experiment.

Results

The levels of TP73-AS1 and EIF5A2 were up-regulated, while miR-494-3p expression was down-regulated in medulloblastoma tissues and cells, ELF5A2 was a direct target of miR-494-3p, and miR-494-3p bound to TP73-AS1. The knockdown of TP73-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and promoted apoptosis of medulloblastoma cells, while the miR-494-3p inhibitor abolished the effects of TP73-AS1 knockdown on medulloblastoma cells.

Conclusion

TP73-AS1 positively regulated EIF5A2 expression by sponging miR-494-3p. These findings suggested that TP73-AS1 served as an oncogene and promoted the progression of medulloblastoma.

Size effects in the resistivity of graphene nanoribbons

The electrical resistivity of single-layer graphene nanoribbons has been studied experimentally for ribbon widths from 16 to 320 nm and is shown to validate the expected quantum scattering model for conduction through confined graphene structures. The experimental findings are that the resistivity follows a more dramatic trend than that seen for metallic nanowires of similar dimensions, due to a combination of the nature of the charge carriers in this 2D material, surface scattering from the edges, bandgap related effects and shifts in the Fermi level due to edge effects. We show that the charge neutrality point switches polarity below a ribbon width of around 50 nm, and that at this point, the thermal coefficient of resistance is a maximum. The majority doping type therefore can be controlled by altering ribbon width below 100 nm. We also demonstrate that an alumina passivation layer has a significant effect on the mean free path of the charge carriers within the graphene, which can be probed directly via measurements of the width-dependent resistivity.

Increased atmospheric vapor pressure deficit reduces global vegetation growth

Atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is a critical variable in determining plant photosynthesis. Synthesis of four global climate datasets reveals a sharp increase of VPD after the late 1990s. In response, the vegetation greening trend indicated by a satellite-derived vegetation index (GIMMS3g), which was evident before the late 1990s, was subsequently stalled or reversed. Terrestrial gross primary production derived from two satellite-based models (revised EC-LUE and MODIS) exhibits persistent and widespread decreases after the late 1990s due to increased VPD, which offset the positive CO₂ fertilization effect. Six Earth system models have consistently projected continuous increases of VPD throughout the current century. Our results highlight that the impacts of VPD on vegetation growth should be adequately considered to assess ecosystem responses to future climate conditions.

Tumor suppressor miR-145-5p sensitizes prolactinoma to bromocriptine by downregulating TPT1

PURPOSE

Prolactinoma is the most commonly seen secretory tumor of pituitary glands, which accounts for approximately up to 40% of total pituitary adenomas. Due to its high drug resistance, dopamine agonist, such as bromocriptine, has limited effect on the treatment of patients with prolactinoma. Recent discoveries have revealed that multiple miRNAs were involved in regulating drug resistance. In this research, we explored the relationship between miR-145-5p expression as well as bromocriptine sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

To study the role of miR-145-5p in drug resistance of prolactinoma, the expression levels of miR-145-5p in bromocriptine-resistant prolactinoma cell line MMQ/BRC and its parental cell line MMQ cells, 24 bromocriptine-resistant as well as eight sensitive clinical samples were measured by qRT-PCR. Moreover, CCK8, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were performed to identify the biological characteristics of MMQ/BRC and MMQ. TPT1 was predicted as a direct target gene of miR-145-5p by bioinformatic methods. In addition, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression level of TPT1 in clinical specimens and cell lines. Xenograft mouse model was constructed to analyze whether miR-145-5p could reverse bromocriptine resistance in prolactinoma in vivo.

RESULTS

In our study, bromocriptine-resistant prolactinoma clinical samples and cell line had decreased miR-145-5p levels and expressed high levels of TPT1 compared with their sensitive counterparts. Bioinformatic methods and our preliminary dual luciferase reporter assay were utilized to elucidate that TPT1 was a direct target gene of miR-145-5p. Furthermore, introducing miR-145-5p mimic into MMQ cells led to a decrease of IC50 along with upregulation of TPT1; nevertheless, transfecting the corresponding inhibitor into MMQ cells resulted in an upregulation of IC50 as well as reduction of TPT1.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our findings elucidated the role of miR-145-5p as an important regulator of drug resistance in prolactinoma by controlling TPT1, and implicated the potential application of miR-145-5p in cancer therapy as well.

A versatile supramolecular nanoadjuvant that activates NF-κB for cancer immunotherapy

Although powerful adjuvants hold promise of vaccines for cancer immunotherapy, cumbersome preparation processes, elusive mechanisms and failure to induce T cell responses have largely limited their clinical translation. Due to their ease of synthesis, good biocompatibility and designable bioactivity, peptide derivatives-based supramolecular nanomaterials have attracted increasing interest in improving the immunogenicity of cancer vaccines. Methods: Herein, we synthesized an NF-κB-activating supramolecular nanoadjuvant (3DSNA) that is prepared by pH-triggering self-assembly of a positively charged D-configurational peptide derivative. The immunostimulatory activity of 3DNSA was explored in vitro and in vivo. Results: 3DSNA can strongly absorb the model antigen (ovalbumin, OVA) through electrostatic interaction. Then, 3DSNA promotes ingestion and cross-presentation of OVA, upregulation of costimulatory factors (CD80 and CD86) and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-12) by dendritic cells (DCs), accompanied by activation of the innate immune response (NF-κB signaling), resulting in long-term antigen-specific memory and effector CD8+ T cells response. When compared with conventional aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and the corresponding L-configurational supramolecular nanoadjuvant (3LSNA), 3DSNA-adjuvanted OVA (3DSNA+OVA) significantly prevents oncogenesis in naïve mice with a complete response rate of 60 %, restrains the tumor growth and prolongs the survival of melanoma-bearing mice. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that 3DSNA is a promising neo-adjuvant that enables various vaccines to be therapeutic for many important diseases including cancer.

Hyaluronidase Pretreatment Improves the Cryopreservation of Human Ovarian Tissue

BACKGROUND

Slow freezing has been widely applied to preserve human ovarian tissue.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine whether human ovarian cortex pretreated with hyaluronidase can improve the protective effect of cryopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human ovarian biopsies from seven patients were cryopreserved using slow freezing. The samples in the experimental group were incubated in culture medium with hyaluronidase for a short time before cryopreservation. The histology of the thawed ovarian tissue was investigated; the levels of steroid hormone in the culture media were then used to evaluate the development and function of thawed ovarian tissue.

RESULTS

The result showed that the percentage of morphologically abnormal primordial follicles was higher in the freezing control than in the experimental group (P<0.05). 17β-estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) concentrations were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the freezing control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that human ovarian cortex pretreatment with hyaluronidase can improve the protective effect of cryopreservation by improving the penetration of cryoprotectant.

Erratum: Observation of D^{0} Meson Nuclear Modifications in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 142301 (2014)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.142301.