[Economic burden of stomach cancer in China during 1996-2015: a systematic review]

Objective: To clarify the research status of economic burden of stomach cancer in China from 1996 to 2015. Methods: Based on three electronic literature databases (China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database and PubMed), a total of 2 873, 1 244 and 84 articles published during 1996 to 2015 were found, respectively, using keywords of"cancer","neoplasms","malignant tumor","tumor","economic burden","health expenditure","cost","cost of illness", and"China". According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 literatures were included in the final analysis. Then the basic information and study subjects, indicators and main results of economic burden were abstracted and analyzed. All the expenditure data were discounted to the values in 2013 by using China's percapita consumer price index. Results: Totally, 30 articles were included, covering 14 provinces and of which 16 were published during 2011-2015. One article was based on population-level and the remaining studies were all based on individual-level. The number of individual-level articles that reported direct medical, non-medical and indirectly economic burden was 29, 1 and 2, respectively. The main indicators of direct medical expenditure were expenditure per patient (22), per clinical visit (9) and per diem (11), respectively. The median expenditure per patient was 7 387-28 743 RMB (CNY), with average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 1.7% (1996-2013). The median expenditure per clinical visit was 18 504-41 871 RMB (2003-2013), with AAGR of 5.5%. The median expenditure per diem was 313-1 445 RMB (1996-2012), with AAGR of 3.7%. Difference was found among provinces. Conclusions: The evidence for economic burden of stomach cancer was still limited over the past two decades and mainly focused on individual and regional levels. An increase and differences in provinces were observed in direct medical expenditure. Evaluation on direct non-medical and indirect medical expenditure needs to be addressed.

Diterpene pekinenal from euphorbia pekinensis radix induced IEC-6 cells apoptosis mediated by mitochondria and death receptors

Pekinenal, a diterpenoid from the roots of Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr., can cause serious intestinal toxicity. However, its toxic mechanism hasn't been comprehensively understood. This present study aims to clarify its toxic effects and investigate the potential mechanism. In vitro effects of pekinenal on cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by performing experiments on rat intestinal crypt epithelial cells (IEC-6). Proteins and enzymes involved in cell apoptotic pathways were detected by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and related mRNAs were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the cell cycle was arrested in G0/G1 phase, and apoptotic morphology changes in pekinenal-treated cells. Furthermore, pekinenal up-regulated the expression level of apoptotic protein including Bax, AIF, Apaf-1 and the expression level of mRNA such as Fas, FasL, TNFR1 and NF-κB, while down-regulated the expression level of Bcl-2, ultimately triggering the apoptosis of caspase dependence. In conclusion, the above data confirmed that pekinenal inhibited the proliferation of IEC-6 cells and induced cells apoptosis by modulating mitochondrial and death receptor pathways.

An Asian consensus on standards of diagnostic upper endoscopy for neoplasia

BACKGROUND

This is a consensus developed by a group of expert endoscopists aiming to standardise the preparation, process and endoscopic procedural steps for diagnosis of early upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

METHOD

The Delphi method was used to develop consensus statements through identification of clinical questions on diagnostic endoscopy. Three consensus meetings were conducted to consolidate the statements and voting. We conducted a systematic literature search on evidence for each statement. The statements were presented in the second consensus meeting and revised according to comments. The final voting was conducted at the third consensus meeting on the level of evidence and agreement.

RESULTS

Risk stratification should be conducted before endoscopy and high risk endoscopic findings should raise an index of suspicion. The presence of premalignant mucosal changes should be documented and use of sedation is recommended to enhance detection of superficial upper GI neoplasms. The use of antispasmodics and mucolytics enhanced visualisation of the upper GI tract, and systematic endoscopic mapping should be conducted to improve detection. Sufficient examination time and structured training on diagnosis improves detection. Image enhanced endoscopy in addition to white light imaging improves detection of superficial upper GI cancer. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging is recommended for characterisation of upper GI superficial neoplasms. Endoscopic characterisation can avoid unnecessary biopsy.

CONCLUSION

This consensus provides guidance for the performance of endoscopic diagnosis and characterisation for early gastric and oesophageal neoplasia based on the evidence. This will enhance the quality of endoscopic diagnosis and improve detection of early upper GI cancers.

Identification of Blood Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease Through Computational Prediction and Experimental Validation

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major cause of dementia in population aged over 65 years, accounting up to 70% dementia cases. However, validated peripheral biomarkers for AD diagnosis are not available up to present. In this study, we adopted a new strategy of combination of computational prediction and experimental validation to identify blood protein biomarkers for AD.

Methods: First, we collected tissue-based gene expression data of AD patients and healthy controls from GEO database. Second, we analyzed these data and identified differentially expressed genes for AD. Third, we applied a blood-secretory protein prediction program on these genes and predicted AD-related proteins in blood. Finally, we collected blood samples of AD patients and healthy controls to validate the potential AD biomarkers by using ELISA experiments and Western blot analyses.

Results: A total of 2754 genes were identified to express differentially in brain tissues of AD, among which 296 genes were predicted to encode AD-related blood-secretory proteins. After careful analysis and literature survey on these predicted blood-secretory proteins, ten proteins were considered as potential AD biomarkers, five of which were experimentally verified with significant change in blood samples of AD vs. controls by ELISA, including GSN, BDNF, TIMP1, VLDLR, and APLP2. ROC analyses showed that VLDLR and TIMP1 had excellent performance in distinguishing AD patients from controls (area under the curve, AUC = 0.932 and 0.903, respectively). Further validation of VLDLR and TIMP1 by Western blot analyses has confirmed the results obtained in ELISA experiments.

Conclusion: VLDLR and TIMP1 had better discriminative abilities between ADs and controls, and might serve as potential blood biomarkers for AD. To our knowledge, this is the first time to identify blood protein biomarkers for AD through combination of computational prediction and experimental validation. In addition, VLDLR was first reported here as potential blood protein biomarker for AD. Thus, our findings might provide important information for AD diagnosis and therapies.

Advances in Biomarker Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout life. The epidemiology of ASD is continuously increasing all over the world with huge social and economical burdens. As the etiology of autism is not completely understood, there is still no medication available for the treatment of this disorder. However, some behavioral interventions are available to improve the core and associated symptoms of autism, particularly when initiated at an early stage. Thus, there is an increasing demand for finding biomarkers for ASD. Although diagnostic biomarkers have not yet been established, research efforts have been carried out in neuroimaging and biological analyses including genomics and gene testing, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and studies of the immune system, inflammation, and microRNAs. Here, we will review the current progress in these fields and focus on new methods, developments, research strategies, and studies of blood-based biomarkers.

[Exogenous CRX gene induces Müller cell-derived progenitors to differentiate into photoreceptors]

Objective: To investigate whether exogenous CRX gene would be able to induce Müller cells-derived progenitors to differentiate into photoreceptors. Methods: Experimental study. Müller cells-derived progenitors resulted from primary Müller cells isolated from KunMing mice(5-7 days old) and cultured in free-serum media. Markers of Müller cells(glutamine synthetase, GS and Vimentin) and stem cells (Nestin and Sox2) were analysed by immnocytochemical assays. The secondary passage progenitors were divided into three groups: (1)the control group; (2)the empty vector group was transfected with lentivirus GFP; (3)the treated group was transfected with lentivirus GFP-CRX. After differentiation for 7 days, 7 days after differentiation, the expression of markers of photoreceptors were analyzed by q-PCR and Western blot assay. Results: There were 96.03%±1.21% of Müllerz cells cultured in vitro were immunoreactive to both GS and Vimentin. The dedifferentiation cells expressed Nestin and Sox2. After 7 days of induction, Exogenous CRX induced Müller cell-derived progenitors to differentiate into rod-like cells showed appearance like neuron morphology. q-PCR demonstrated that mRNAs of CRX and Rhodopsin were upregulated greatly. CRX mRNA were 9 times (P<0.05) and Rhodopsin mRNA were 20 times (P<0.05). The difference between the control group and the empty vector group was not statistically significant. Western blot showed that the expression of CRX was upregulated significantly, and was 2.7 times(P<0.05). But expression of Rhodopsin was weak and was nearly not detected in the control group and empty vector group. The expression of S-opsin was not detected. Conclusion: CRX gene could induce the differentiation of Müller cell-derived progenitor into rod photoreceptors, indicating a new avenue to study müller cells as endogenous seed cells for retinal photoreceptor. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 923-928).

A modified method for plasmid extraction from Lactobacillus plantarum contained lysozyme removal step

Plasmids of Lactobacillus plantarum PC518 cannot be effectively extracted by existing methods. It was studied that the effect of lysozyme treatment and removal on plasmid extraction by 7 protocols. The modified method was compared with a commercial kit using L. plantarum PC518, 410, 9L15, and JS193 and Weissella cibaria M2 as the tested strains. The results suggested that the step of lysozyme removal is the key to improve the efficiency of plasmid extraction. The concentrations of plasmid DNA isolated from the 5 tested strains were increased by 10.6, 9.5, 6, 5.6 and 1.5 times respectively compared with the commercial kit.

Antiviral effect of baicalin phospholipid complex against duck hepatitis A virus type 1

Duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) is one of the main pathogens of ducklings and causes a high mortality rate. Baicalin (BA) has potent antiviral effect, but the solubility is very poor. In order to increase the absorption, solubility, and pharmacological activity, the phospholipid complex was used to modify BA in present study. Therefore, BA phospholipid complex (BAPC) was prepared. The anti-DHAV-1 abilities of BA and BAPC in vitro was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 and reverse transcription quantitative PCR. The curative effects of BA and BAPC on ducklings which were infected by DHAV-1 in addition to the ALT and AST levels were also detected. The results indicated the anti-DHAV-1 ability of BAPC was stronger than that of BA both in vitro and in vivo. To explore the anti-DHAV-1 mechanism, the influence of BAPC on DHAV-1 adsorption, replication, and release was studied. Furthermore, the anti-oxidative and immuno-enhancing abilities of BAPC in the treatment of infected ducklings were also determined. The results showed BAPC inhibited DHAV-1 adsorption, replication and release. Furthermore, it played anti-oxidative and immno-enhancing roles in the treatment, and the immno-enhancing role was crucial to the treatment.

A first CLN6 variant case of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis caused by a homozygous mutation in a boy from China: a case report

Background

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs) are lysosomal storage disorders characterized by seizures, motor impairment, and loss of vision. Ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN) gene mutations are the cause, but NCL cases arising from CLN6 mutations have not been described in China to date. The CLN6 protein, which plays a role in lysosomal function, is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein with seven transmembrane (TM) domains. It has a cytosolic-facing amino terminal domain and a luminal-facing carboxyl terminal domain, with six loops between the TM domains.

Case presentation

Here we report a case involving a Chinese boy whose suspected diagnosis was a hereditary leukoencephalopathy, based on brain MRI imaging and epilepsy symptoms, language articulation disorders, ataxia, and unstable gait. The electroencephalogram showed epileptic discharges, and the brain MRI scan showed high signal intensity adjacent to the bilateral posterior horns of the lateral ventricles on T2-weighted images, along with cerebellar atrophy. Using next-generation sequencing for the genes in a panel for hereditary leukoencephalopathies, we detected a homozygous missense point mutation c.892G > A(p.Glu298Lys) in CLN6, and the variant was interpreted as pathogenic on in silico analysis. Absence of this mutation was confirmed in 259 controls. Late infantile NCL and secondary epilepsy were diagnosed, and oral sodium valproate was prescribed. The epilepsy was not well controlled, however, and the other signs had not improved at the 6-month follow-up. We also analyzed the loci of 31 CLN6 missense mutations, including those previously reported and the current one. We found that 22.6% (7/31) of the mutations are in the cytoplasmic domains, about 32.2% (10/31) are in the TM domains, and about 45.2% (14/31) are in the luminal domains. These mutations were mostly located in the TM3-TM4 loop (6/31), TM1-TM2 loop (4/31), and C-terminus (4/31), with none found in the TM4-TM5 loop, TM5-TM6 loop, or TM7.

Conclusions

We report the first case in China of NCL caused by a CLN6 mutation, expanding the genotype options for NCLs. In practice, NCLs generally are not the initial suspected diagnosis for such cases. Use of a gene sequencing panel for investigating unexplained seizures or leukoencephalopathies can help confirm the diagnosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-018-0690-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Double amplifications of CDK4 and MDM2 in a gastric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor mimicking cancer with local invasion of the spleen and diaphragm

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is currently recognized as an intermediate mesenchymal neoplasm. It can arise anywhere in the body, but it is particularly common in the lungs. Gastric IMT is very rare in adults. In this study, we report a case of a 68-year-old woman with IMT in the gastric cardia, with invasion into the spleen and diaphragm. Because of its location and aggressive clinical features, it was first mistaken for gastric cancer. However, pathology and immunohistochemistry were used to finally confirm the diagnosis of IMT after total resection of the tumor and spleen and partial resection of the diaphragm. In order to provide better understanding of this rare tumor, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and IHC were performed to assess genetic and protein abnormalities of the tumor. Both IHC and NGS were found to be negative for ALK or other gene fusions. However, double amplification of CDK4 and MDM2 were found by NGS, and IHC also found CDK4 and MDM2 to be positive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first gastric IMT report to show double invasion of the spleen and the diaphragm, and double amplification of CDK4 and MDM2 in IMT are also reported for the first time. This genomic aberration with protein overexpression is the most likely tumorigenic driver of this rare and aggressive tumor.

Abstract 236: Histone Variant H2A.Z Defines Cell Identity in Smooth Muscle Cells as Revealed by Single-Cell Transcriptomics

Background: Histone variants endow chromatin with specific structures, and play essential roles in development and diseases. However, little is known about their roles in controlling cell identity in vascular diseases.

Methods and Results: Given the cell heterogeneity in atherosclerotic lesions, we applied single-cell RNA-Seq to analyze human diseased arteries, and identified histone variant H2A.Z as a key histone signature to maintain vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) identity. We show that H2A.Z occupies genomic regions near VSMC marker genes and its occupancy is decreased in VSMC undergoing dedifferentiation. Mechanistically, H2A.Z occupancy preferentially promotes nucleosome turnover, facilitates the recruitment of Smad3 and Med1, thereby activating VSMC marker gene expression. In human diseased vascular tissue, H2A.Z expression is dramatically decreased. Notably, in vivo overexpression of H2A.Z rescued injury-induced loss of VSMC identity and neointima formation.

Conclusions: Together, our data introduce dynamic occupancy of a histone variant as a novel regulatory basis contributing to cell fate decisions, and imply H2A.Z as a potential intervention node for vascular diseases.

Diagnostic utility of serological biomarkers in patients with Crohn's disease: A case-control study

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of serological markers in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in China, and determine the diagnostic utility of serological markers, individually and in combination, for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD).Serum samples were obtained from 160 participants in Eastern China. Among the participants, 98 were diagnosed with CD, 33 had ulcerative colitis (UC), and 29 were healthy controls (HC). The serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against outer membrane porin C (anti-OmpC), Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial sequence I2 (anti-I2), anti-laminarin (anti-L), anti-chitin (anti-C), anti-chitobioside carbohydrate antibody (ACCA), anti-laminaribioside carbohydrate antibody (ALCA), anti-mannobioside carbohydrate antibody (AMCA), and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Individually, anti-C, anti-L, ASCA-IgG, and ALCA lacked diagnostic value in the differentiation of CD. ASCA-IgA remained the most accurate marker for the diagnosis of CD, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77; however, its sensitivity and specificity were both lower than 75%. Among the combinations of the 5 markers with significant diagnosing ability for CD, combinations with any 2 of the 3 markers, ASCA IgA, AMCA, and ACCA positive, provided the best accuracy in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CD (sensitivity and specificity both above 75%) and had the highest Youden index.Serological antibodies, when considered in combination, have remarkable value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CD. Especially, the combination of any 2 of the 3 markers, ASCA-IgA, AMCA, ACCA positive, appears to be optimal.

Heterogeneous Gold(I)-Catalysed Annulation between 2-Aminopyridines and Propiolaldehydes Leading to 3-Acylimidazo[1,2-A]Pyridines

The heterogeneous annulation between 2-aminopyridines and propiolaldehydes was achieved in CH2Cl2 at 25 °C in the presence of 3 mol% of MCM-41-immobilised phosphine gold(I) complex (MCM-41-PPh3-AuCl) and AgSbF6 under air, yielding a variety of 3-acylimidazo[1,2-a] pyridines in good yields. This heterogeneous gold(I) catalyst can be easily prepared by a simple procedure, recovered by filtration of the reaction solution and recycled up to seven times without significant loss of activity.

Does exam-targeted training help village doctors pass the certified (assistant) physician exam and improve their practical skills? A cross-sectional analysis of village doctors' perspectives in Changzhou in Eastern China

BACKGROUND

Quality of health care needs to be improved in rural China. The Chinese government, based on the 1999 Law on Physicians, started implementing the Rural Doctor Practice Regulation in 2004 to increase the percentage of certified physicians among village doctors. Special exam-targeted training for rural doctors therefore was launched as a national initiative. This study examined these rural doctors' perceptions of whether that training helps them pass the exam and whether it improves their skills.

METHODS

Three counties were selected from the 4 counties in Changzhou City in eastern China, and 844 village doctors were surveyed by a questionnaire in July 2012. Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to identify differences of attitudes about the exam and training between the rural doctors and certified (assistant) doctors. Longitudinal annual statistics (1980-2014) of village doctors were further analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and forty-four village doctors were asked to participate, and 837 (99.17%) responded. Only 14.93% of the respondents had received physician (assistant) certification. Only 49.45% of the village doctors thought that the areas tested by the certification exam were closely related to the healthcare needs of rural populations. The majority (86.19%) felt that the training program was "very helpful" or "helpful" for preparing for the exam. More than half the village doctors (61.46%) attended the "weekly school". The village doctors considered the most effective method of learning was "continuous training (40.36%)" . The majority of the rural doctors (89.91%) said they would be willing to participate in the training and 96.87% stated that they could afford to pay up to 2000 yuan for it.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of village doctors in Changzhou City perceived that neither the certification exam nor the training for it are closely related to the actual healthcare needs of rural residents. Policies and programs should focus on providing exam-preparation training for selected rural doctors, reducing training expenditures, and utilizing web-based methods. The training focused on rural practice should be provided to all village doctors, even certified physicians. The government should also adjust the local licensing requirements to attract and recruit new village doctors.

Glycogen-based self-healing hydrogels with ultra-stretchable, flexible, and enhanced mechanical properties via sacrificial bond interactions

The development of hydrogel materials with enhanced mechanical properties is the primary focus in designing autonomous self-healable hydrogel materials. Here, we present a facile and cost-effective method for the autonomous self-healing hydrogel based on Glycogen (Gly/PAA-Fe³⁺) with enhanced mechanical properties by simple insertion of ferric ions in the physically cross-linked network via metal-ligand interactions. This dual physically cross-linked hydrogel has an excellent elongation at break and self-healing properties due to the dynamic ionic cross-linking point. This work will encourage researchers to focus on this facile technique for the synthesis of self-healing hydrogel materials with enhanced mechanical properties.

Effective Carrier-Concentration Tuning of SnO2 Quantum Dot Electron-Selective Layers for High-Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

The carrier concentration of the electron-selective layer (ESL) and hole-selective layer can significantly affect the performance of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a facile yet effective two-step method, i.e., room-temperature colloidal synthesis and low-temperature removal of additive (thiourea), to control the carrier concentration of SnO₂ quantum dot (QD) ESLs to achieve high-performance PSCs is developed. By optimizing the electron density of SnO₂ QD ESLs, a champion stabilized power output of 20.32% for the planar PSCs using triple cation perovskite absorber and 19.73% for those using CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ absorber is achieved. The superior uniformity of low-temperature processed SnO₂ QD ESLs also enables the fabrication of ≈19% efficiency PSCs with an aperture area of 1.0 cm² and 16.97% efficiency flexible device. The results demonstrate the promise of carrier-concentration-controlled SnO₂ QD ESLs for fabricating stable, efficient, reproducible, large-scale, and flexible planar PSCs.

[The colonoscopic characteristics of colorectal endometriosis: a single-centered retrospective study]

Objective: To reinforce the awareness of colorectal endometriosis (EM) in colonoscopy examination. Methods: Patients diagnosed as colorectal EM at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between February 2002 and February 2017 were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics and endoscopic features of EM lesions were summarized and compared between pathologically positive group and negative group. Results: A total of 34 cases were included with average age of (38.3±8.9) years old. All EM lesions located within rectum and sigmoid colon. The endoscopic lesions manifested as protrusion in 21 cases (61.8%) and protrusion-depression in 13 cases (38.2%), local stenosis in 8 cases (23.5%); erosive surface in 33 cases (97.1%) with local spontaneous hemorrhage in 4 cases (11.8%); nodal surface in 23 cases (67.6%), and lymphangiectasis base in 9 cases (26.4%). Endoscopic biopsy specimens were obtained in all cases with average 3 (2, 4) pieces. Positive results were found only in 4 patients (11.8%) with 3 endometriosis and one (endometrial) adenosarcoma. Compared with negative group, spontaneous hemorrhage was more frequent in positive group (2/4 vs. 2/30, P=0.013). Mean biopsy sample number was significantly larger in positive group (5 vs. 3, P=0.004). Conclusions: Colorectal endometriosis is mostly located within rectosigmoid region. Endoscopic features mainly include protrusion or protrusion-depression lesions with erosive and nodular surface, or local stenosis. Spontaneous hemorrhage under colonoscopy yields higher positive rate for biopsy, thus increasing biopsy sample numbers may improve pathology results.

Characterization and study of luminescence enhancement behaviour of alginate-based hydrogels

Luminescence enhanced composites were fabricated via introducing 5-sulfosalicylic acid molecules into a Tb(iii)-based system to avoid being quenched by water.

Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Copper-Catalysed O-Arylation of Phenols by Nitroarenes Leading to Diaryl Ethers

The heterogeneous O-arylation of phenols by nitroarenes was achieved in DMF at 100 °C by using an MCM-41-immobilised bidentate nitrogen copper(II) complex [MCM-41-2N-Cu(OAc)2] as catalyst, yielding a variety of unsymmetrical diaryl ethers in good to excellent yields. This heterogeneous copper catalyst can be easily prepared by a simple procedure from commercially readily available and inexpensive reagents, recovered by filtration of the reaction solution and recycled at least seven times without significant loss of activity.

Yi-qi-yang-yin-tang increases the sensitivity of KG1a leukemia stem cells to daunorubicin by promoting cell cycle progression and regulating the expression of PTEN, TOPOII and mTOR

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of serum containing a combination of yi-qi-yang-yin-tang (YQYYT) and daunorubicin (DNR) on multidrug resistance in KG1a leukemia stem cells (LSCs). The effects of YQYYT and DNR on proliferation, cell cycle progression and the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), topoisomerase II (Topo II) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in KG1a cells were investigated in vitro using cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. It was revealed that YQYYT-containing serum did not affect proliferation of KG1a cells compared with the blank group. Furthermore, there were no significant differences on the inhibition of proliferation among different groups at various concentrations of YQYYT. Treatment with YQYYT-containing serum (volume, 20 and 40 µl) and DNR was able to significantly inhibit the proliferation of KG1a cells compared with the blank group. The inhibition rate in the treatment group with YQYYT-containing serum (40 µl) and DNR for 48 h (72.5%) was higher compared with treatment for 24 h (60.4%, P<0.01). Treatment with YQYYT-containing serum was able to promote G₀ phase of KG1a cells into cell cycle in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of PTEN and Topo II, but did not affect mTOR expression compared with the blank group. Treatment with serum containing YQYYT alone did not directly affect the proliferation of KG1a cells, but when the cells were treated with a combination of YQYYT-containing serum and DNR, the proliferation of KG1a cells was significantly inhibited in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with YQYYT-containing serum was able to promote cell cycle progression of KG1a cells in the G₀ phase and upregulate the expression of the negative regulatory genes PTEN and Topo II. These results indicated the potential of YQYYT to reverse multidrug resistance in LSCs.

A novel compound mutation in GLRA1 cause hyperekplexia in a Chinese boy- a case report and review of the literature

Background

The pathogenesis of hereditary hyperekplexia is thought to involve abnormalities in the glycinergic neurotransmission system, the most of mutations reported in GLRA1. This gene encodes the glycine receptor α1 subunit, which has an extracellular domain (ECD) and a transmembrane domain (TMD) with 4 α-helices (TM1–TM4).

Case presentation

We investigated the genetic cause of hyperekplexia in a Chinese family with one affected member. Whole-exome sequencing of the 5 candidate genes was performed on the proband patient, and direct sequencing was performed to validate and confirm the detected mutation in other family members. We also review and analyse all reported GLRA1 mutations. The proband had a compound heterozygous GLRA1 mutation that comprised 2 novel GLRA1 missense mutations, C.569C > T (p.T190 M) from the mother and C.1270G > A (p.D424N) from the father. SIFT, Polyphen-2 and MutationTaster analysis identified the mutations as disease-causing, but the parents had no signs of hyperekplexia. The p.T190 M mutation is located in the ECD, while p.D424N is located in TM4.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute to a growing list GLRA1 mutations associated with hyperekplexia and provide new insights into correlations between phenotype and GLRA1 mutations. Some recessive mutations can induce hyperekplexia in combination with other recessive GLRA1 mutations. Mutations in the ECD, TM1, TM1-TM2 loop, TM3, TM3-TM4 loop and TM4 are more often recessive and part of a compound mutation, while those in TM2 and the TM2-TM3 loop are more likely to be dominant hereditary mutations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-017-0476-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) promotes rat airway muscle cell proliferation and migration mediated by ERK1/2 and FAK signaling

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory mediator that contributes to asthmatic airway remodeling; however, little is known regarding the effects of MIF on airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). In the present study, we found that an enhanced expression of MIF promoted ASMC proliferation, increased the population of cells in the S/G2 phase, downregulated P21 expression, and upregulated cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and Cdk6 expression. In addition, the apoptosis of ASMCs was significantly decreased in response to MIF overexpression, compared with the negative control. Moreover, MIF facilitated the migration of ASMCs by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2. Finally, we showed that MIF increased the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which are associated with proliferation and migration. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that MIF overexpression promotes the proliferation and migration of ASMCs by upregulating the activity of the ERK1/2 and FAK signaling pathways in these cells, further indicating that inhibition of MIF may prove to be an effective strategy for treating asthma patients with airway remodeling.

A Highly Efficient and Recyclable Pd(Pph3)4/Peg-400 System for Stille Cross-Coupling Reactions of Organostannanes with Aryl Bromides

Pd(PPh3)4 in PEG-400 is shown to be a highly efficient catalyst for the Stille cross-coupling reactions of various organotin compounds with aryl bromides. The reaction could be conducted at 80 °C using NaOAc as base, yielding a variety of biaryls, alkynes and alkenes in good to excellent yields. The isolation of the products was readily performed by extraction with petroleum ether and the Pd(PPh3)4/PEG-400 system could be easily recycled and reused five times without any significant loss of activity.

[Acute toxicity of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and vinegar-processing Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix on zebrafish embryo]

The embryos of model organism zebrafish were used to evaluate the acute toxicity of the extracts of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and vinegar-processing Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix, and the total terpene content of each extract was determined by using euphol as the reference standards. Twenty-four h normally developed zebrafish embryos were chosen, and 8 concentrations were adopted for each extract. Then the growth and death of zebrafish embryos were observed at 96 h after administration, and median lethal concentrations (LC50) of the different samples on zebrafish embryos were calculated. The results showed that all of the extracts (before and after vinegar processing) had acute toxicity on zebrafish embryos. The toxicity of vinegar-processing Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix was significantly lower than that of crude Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix. Among different extraction methods, ethanol extract was more poisonous than water extract; in different polarity fractions, the toxicity was in the following order: petroleum ether>dichloromethane>ethyl acetate>n-butyl alcohol and remaining part. Combined with the results of the determination of terpene components, it can be concluded that the terpenoids are the main toxic components of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix, positively correlated with toxicity degree. It indicates that the zebrafish embryo model is appropriate for the toxicity evaluation of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and provides appropriate research methods and theoretical basis for the further study of the toxic components and the mechanism of reducing toxicity.

Model to identify early-stage gastric cancers with deep invasion of submucosa based on endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography findings

BACKGROUND

Conventional endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) are used to estimate the invasion depth of early-stage gastric cancers (EGCs), but estimates made by either technique are often inaccurate. We developed a model to determine the invasion depth of EGCs using conventional endoscopy and EUS findings, with pathology results as the reference.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 195 patients (205 lesions) diagnosed with gastric cancers who underwent endoscopy and EUS followed by resection. Based on pathology analyses, lesions (n = 205) were assigned to categories of: mucosa invasion or minute invasion into the submucosal layer less than 500 μm from the muscularis mucosae (M-SM1) or penetration of 500 μm or more (≥SM2). The lesions were randomly assigned to derivation (138 lesions) and validation sets (67 lesions). A depth predictive model was proposed in the derivation set using multivariate logistic regression analyses. The discriminative power of this model was assessed in both sets.

RESULTS

Remarkable redness (OR 5.42; 95% CI 1.32-22.29), abrupt cutting of converging folds (OR 8.58; 95% CI 1.65-44.72), lesions location in the upper third of the stomach (OR 10.26; 95% CI 2.19-48.09), and deep invasion based on EUS findings (OR 16.53; 95% CI 4.48-61.15) significantly associated with ≥SM2 invasion. A model that incorporated these 4 variables discriminated between M-SM1 and ≥SM2 lesions with the area under the ROC curve of 0.865 in the derivation set and 0.797 in the validation set. In the derivation set, a cut-off score of 8 identified lesions as ≥SM2 with 54% sensitivity and 97% specificity. The model correctly predicted the invasion depth 89.86% of lesions; it overestimated the depth of 2.17% of lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a model to identify EGCs with invasion depth ≥SM2 based on endoscopy and EUS findings. This model might reduce overestimation of gastric tumor depth and prevent unnecessary gastrectomy.

Dopant-Free Hole-Transport Materials Based on Methoxytriphenylamine-Substituted Indacenodithienothiophene for Solution-Processed Perovskite Solar Cells

Solution-processed hole transporting materials (HTMs) that are dopant-free show promise for use in low-cost, high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The highest-efficiency PSCs use organic HTMs, many of which have low mobilities and therefore require doping, which lowers the device stability. Additionally, these materials are not easily scaled because they often require complicated synthesis. Two new HTMs (IDT-TPA and IDTT-TPA) were synthesized, which contained either an extended fused-ring indacenodithiophene (IDT) or indacenodithienothiophene (IDTT) core and strong electron-donating methoxytriphenylamine (TPA) groups as the end-capping units. The extended conjugation in the backbone of IDTT-TPA resulted in stronger π-π interactions (3.321 Å) and a higher hole mobility of 6.46×10^-4  cm²  V^-1  s^-1 when compared with that of IDT-TPA (9.53×10^-5  cm²  V^-1  s^-1 ). A dopant-free, planar PSC that contained IDTT-TPA was fabricated and exhibited a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.7 %. This cell exhibited a higher PCE and less hysteresis than devices that contained IDT-TPA.

SOCS-1 is involved in TNF-α-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is suggested to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells that possibly exacerbates renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here we investigated whether suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1), an inhibitor of cytokine signaling, was involved in TNF-α-induced human renal tubular epithelial cells (HKCs) oxidative stress and apoptosis. TNF-α promoted the protein and mRNA expression of SOCS-1 in a time and dose dependent manner, along with increased cell apoptosis and activation of apoptosis signal regulating kinase-1(ASK1) in HKCs. Furthermore, overexpression of SOCS-1 in HKCs reduced TNF-α-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis. Meanwhile, We also found that overexpression of SOCS-1 could regulate the activity of JAK/STAT signaling pathway. In addition, a specific JAK2 inhibitor, AG490, that both attenuated TNF-α-induced oxidative stress, also reduced apoptosis. Taken together, overexpression of SOCS-1 prevented TNF-α-mediated cell oxidative stress and apoptosis may be via suppression of JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation in HKCs.

Green synthesis of oriented xanthan gum-graphene oxide hybrid aerogels for water purification

Three-dimensional xanthan gum (XG)/graphene oxide (GO) hybrid aerogels were fabricated by ice crystal templating without using chemical modifiers. The hybrid aerogels were prepared by the stirring of xanthan gum-graphene oxide hybrid solution, followed by freezing at low temperature and finally by freeze-drying. The whole preparation could be completed within 12h without producing any contamination and thus considered a fast, simple, economical, and green method for aerogel fabrication. XG/GO hybrid aerogels possessed different hierarchical pore structures because of various freezing temperatures. A network composed of co-aligned pore channels was obtained at a freezing temperature of -40°C. The as-prepared hybrid aerogels exhibited stability and excellent adsorption capacity for organic dyes and heavy metal ions. Therefore, these aerogels could be used as efficient adsorbents in water purification. This study provided a basis for the cost-effective and large-scale commercial production of high-performance graphene oxide-based aerogels for water purification.

Portal hypertension as the initial manifestation of POEMS syndrome: a case report

Background

Portal hypertension has a broad differential diagnosis. POEMS syndrome is an uncommon cause of it. POEMS syndrome is a rare disease involving multiple organs. In differential diagnosis of portal hypertension, POEMS syndrome should be considered especially when other symptoms such as numbness, organomegaly, endocrine alteration and skin changes also present, as it is highlighted by our case.

Case presentation

We report a 46-year-old Chinese male, a teacher, presenting with portal hypertension. Electromyography revealed peripheral neuropathy. Immunofixation showed monoclonal immunoglobulin A lambda protein. The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was established. After treatment of lenalidomide combined with dexamethasone over 2 years, the patient achieved a considerable improvement.

Conclusion

This case highlights the manifestation of portal hypertension in POEMS syndrome. Lenalidomide with or without dexamethasone is effective for portal hypertension due to POEMS syndrome, though esophageal and gastric varices seems not reversible so easily.

Cnot3 enhances human embryonic cardiomyocyte proliferation by promoting cell cycle inhibitor mRNA degradation

Uncovering the molecular basis of mammalian cardiomyocyte proliferation may eventually lead to better approaches for heart regeneration. Compared to extensively-studied transcriptional regulation, the roles of posttranscriptional regulation in cardiac cell fate decisions remain largely unknown. Here, we identified Cnot3 as a critical regulator in cardiomyocyte proliferation at the late stage of cardiac differentiation from human ESCs. Cnot3 was highly expressed in cardiomyocytes with higher proliferation potential in both human and mouse, and its depletion resulted in significant reduction in the proliferative capacity of cells. Furthermore, Cnot3 overexpression greatly enhanced proliferation in both cultured human cardiomyocytes and infarcted murine hearts. Mechanistically, the Ccr4-Not complex preferentially interacted with anti-proliferation gene transcripts in a Cnot3-dependent manner, and promoted their degradation. Together, our study supported the model that Cnot3 enhances cardiomyocyte proliferation by promoting cell cycle inhibitor mRNA degradation. It revealed a previously unrecognized role of mRNA degradation in cardiomyocyte growth, and suggested a potential strategy to control cardiac cell fates in development and diseases.

Lanthanide ions-induced formation of hierarchical and transparent polysaccharide hybrid films

Nacre-like hybrid films based on N-succinyl chitosan (NSC), sodium alginate (SA) and lanthanide ions were fabricated via coordination interactions. In this work, the binary building blocks (NSC and SA) were self-assembled into aligned hydrogel films by coordination with lanthanide ions, and hierarchical NSC-SA hybrid films were obtained upon drying. Two species of lanthanide ions (Gd³⁺ and Yb³⁺) were used to fabricate the hierarchical NSC-SA hybrid films. The as-prepared NSC-SA hybrid films exhibit high tensile strength and stability. The tensile strength and toughness of as-prepared hybrid films reach 122.10MPa and 3.89MJm^-3, respectively. Meanwhile, the well-aligned lamellar microstructures also exhibit a good light transmittance. The highest light transmittance reaches 92% for NSC-SA hybrid films at 760nm. This fabrication method for hierarchical NSC-SA hybrid films is innovative due to the utilization of rare earth coordination bonding, and can serve as the basic strategy for the construction of high-performance composites in the near future.

Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Copper-Catalysed Coupling of Oxime Acetates with Isothiocyanates Leading to 2-Aminothiazoles

The heterogeneous coupling reaction of oxime acetates with isothiocyanates was achieved at 110 °C in toluene in air in the presence of a bidentate nitrogen-functionalised MCM-41-immobilised copper(I) complex (MCM-41-2N-CuI) with Cs2CO3 as base to afford a variety of 2-aminothiazoles in good yields. The MCM-41-2N-CuI catalyst can be easily recovered by a simple filtration and reused at least eight times without significant loss of activity.

Hepatic expression of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 correlate with fibrogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, most of the findings in this area have come from experimental studies in animal models or clinical trials on chronic hepatitis C. The roles of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in hepatofibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have not been studied fully. This study aimed to explore the relationship between liver fibrosis and the expression of CB1 and CB2 in patients with CHB.

METHODS

Eighty liver biopsy specimens from patients with CHB (52 male, 28 female) were analyzed in this study. Fibrosis was staged on a scale of 1 to 4 (F1 to F4, with F4 defining cirrhosis). There were 20 samples for each fibrosis stage. The expression of hepatic alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CB1, and CB2 was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Hepatic CB1 and CB2 were expressed in all patients with CHB. The degree of fibrosis was significantly associated with the increased expression of CB1 and CB2 in CHB. Furthermore a significant increase in cells positive for both CB1 and CB2 was detected in stage 3 and stage 4 disease compared to stage 1 and stage 2 disease. There was a strong positive association between CB1 expression and α-SMA expression. Moreover, double immunofluorescence staining for CB1 and α-SMA demonstrated that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) express CB1.

CONCLUSIONS

The hepatic expression of CB1 and CB2 plays an important role during the progression of fibrosis induced by CHB. Endogenous activation of CB1 receptors in patients with CHB enhances fibrogenesis by direct effect on activated HSCs.

Fisetin regulates astrocyte migration and proliferation in vitro

Fisetin (3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a plant flavonol found in fruits and vegetables that has been reported to inhibit migration and proliferation in several types of cancer. Reactive astrogliosis involves astrocyte migration and proliferation, and contributes to the formation of glial scars in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, the effect of fisetin on the migration and proliferation of astrocytes remains unclear. In this study, we found that fisetin inhibited astrocyte migration in a scratch-wound assay and diminished the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK; Tyr576/577 and paxillin (Tyr118). It also suppressed cell proliferation, as indicated by the decreased number of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU)-positive cells, induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, reduced the percentage of cells in the G2 and S phase (as measured by flow cytometry), and decreased cyclin D1 expression, but had no effect on apoptosis. Fisetin also decreased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2, but had no effect on the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These results indicate that fisetin inhibits aggressive cell phenotypes by suppressing cell migration and proliferation via the Akt/Erk signaling pathway. Fisetin may thus have potential for use as a therapeutic strategy targeting reactive astrocytes, which may lead to the inhibition of glial scar formation in vitro.

[Development of CalliSpheres® embolic microspheres]

CalliSpheres® embolic microspheres for embolization of the vasculature of liver cancer are designed, manufactured, and verified, in order to improve the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of primary liver cancer.

Expression of glia maturation factor γ is associated with colorectal cancer metastasis and its downregulation suppresses colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro

Glia maturation factor γ (GMFG) functions to reorganize the actin cytoskeleton and appears to play a causative role in cell migration and adherence. The present study assessed GMFG expression in colorectal cancer cells and tissue specimens and then explored the role of GMFG in colorectal cancer progression in vitro. GMFG protein was highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues and a metastatic colon cancer cell line. Knockdown of GMFG expression using GMFG siRNA or anti-GMFG antibody decreased the capacity of colon cancer LoVo cell migration and invasion in vitro, while recombinant GMFG treatment induced LoVo cell migration. Furthermore, GMFG knockdown also decreased expression of MMP2 protein and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes in LoVo cells. Co-culture of LoVo cells with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and exogenous GMFG treatment promoted LoVo cell migration and invasion. The data from the present study indicate that GMFG should be further evaluated as a biomarker for detection of colorectal cancer metastasis and that the targeting of GMFG expression or function could be a novel strategy in the future control of colorectal cancer.