[Risk factors of lung cancer complicated with symptomatic venous thromboembolism]

OBJECTIVE

To seek risk factors of VTE in patients with lung cancer through analysis of clinical features of patients with lung cancer complicated with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

Retrospective investigation was performed on patients diagnosed with lung cancer and with complete clinical data who were hospitalized in Peking University People's Hospital from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. According to the presence of symptomatic VTE, patients were distributed into two groups, VTE group and control group. Patients' clinical data and laboratory parameters were collected. Single factor analysis was applied to compare the differences between the two groups. t test or nonparametric test was applied for intragroup comparison of measurement data, and chi-square test was applied for the comparison of counting information. Logistic regression analysis was applied to explore risk factors of venous thromboembolism. For VTE patients with this diagnosis when they were hospitalized, D-dimer and PT were obtained after the occurrence of VTE, so D-dimer and PT were eliminated in the multiple factors analysis. SPSS 13.0 statistical software was applied for statistical management and analysis.

RESULTS

548 patients with lung cancer were include in the investigation, with male 357, female 191, average age of (63.8±10.9) years old, 46 patients in VTE group and 502 patinets in control group. According to the results of single factor analysis in gender, age, tumor pathologic type, tumor stage, WBC, Hb, PLT, CEA, ALT, FIB, D-dimer, PT, APTT, PT-INR, the tumor stage (χ(2)=14.177), CEA (t=2.129) and Hb (t=-2.424) were risk factors for lung cancer patients complicated with venous thromboembolism. Logistic regression analysis showed that tumor stage was the independent risk factor of lung cancer complicated with venous thromboembolism (OR 2.058, 95%CI 1.307-3.238, P=0.002) , and CEA (r=0.395, P<0.001) and Hb (r=-0.144, P=0.001) were associated with lung cancer stage. The area under the curve formed by D-dimer predicting VTE was 0.825 (95%CI 0.751-0.900, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Tumor stage is the only risk factor for lung cancer patients complicated with venous thromboembolism in the study. However, because this study is a retrospective study, other potential high risk factors causing VTE cannot be excluded.

Diagnosis of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Wild and Domestic Animals in Xinjiang, China, 2013-2016

Peste des petits ruminants viruses (PPRVs) re-emerged in China at the end of 2013 and then spread rapidly into 22 provinces through movement of live goats and sheep. In this study, 96 samples of domestic animals and 13 samples of wildlife were analysed for the presence of PPRV infection by ELISA or RT-PCR. Of 96 samples from sheep and goats, 91 were PPRV positive, whereas all of the 13 samples from three wild species, Capra ibex (Capra ibex sibirica), argali (Ovis ammon) and Goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), were found to be positive. Five wildlife-origin isolates from the above samples were identified as the lineage IV by a multiple alignment of the partial sequences in N gene.

Direct tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing: time-saving and cost-effective in detecting MDR-TB

BACKGROUND

Recent advances have made molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and drug susceptibility testing (DST) possible, but the high costs involved present a huge challenge. The refinement and improvement of affordable methods therefore remain a priority. Conventional indirect DST is inexpensive and reliable, but time-consuming. A direct DST method for the direct testing of sputum samples without culture has been developed to reduce the time required for DST, but there have been conflicting results.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Direct and indirect DST against isoniazid and rifampicin were performed on 208 sputum smear-positive specimens, 186 from newly diagnosed patients and 22 from previously treated patients; respectively 169 and 180 of the direct and indirect DST results were reportable. In comparison with indirect DST, direct DST resulted in a saving of on average 10.5 days. The time to direct DST results was inversely correlated with the number of acid-fast bacilli in the sputum samples.

CONCLUSION

Direct DST is highly sensitive, reliable, cost-effective and time-saving in comparison with indirect DST.

miR-194 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis by targeting KDM5B

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs play critical roles in regulating gene expression and various cellular processes in human cancer malignant progression. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression pattern of miR-194 in gastric cancer (GC) and its biological role in tumor progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using quantitative RT-PCR, we detected miR-194 expression in GC cell lines and primary tumor tissues. The proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were performed to investigate the effect of miR-194 on the GC cells. The target of miR-194 was predicted by TargetScan and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. KDM5B expression was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

miR-194 was significantly down-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Over-expression of miRNA-194 could inhibit GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Also, miR-194 inhibited tumor growth and progression in vivo. Dual luciferase-based reporter assay indicated direct regulation of KDM5B by miR-194.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that miR-194 directly targeted KDM5B and thereby acted as a tumor promoter in GC progression.

High expression of long noncoding RNA Sox2ot is associated with the aggressive progression and poor outcome of gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA Sox2ot (Sox2ot) in gastric cancer (GC) patients and its association with clinicopathologic parameters and the prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect Sox2ot expression in 155 GC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues. The relationships between Sox2ot expression and the clinicopathological features of GC patients were analyzed. Furthermore, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

Sox2ot expression levels were decreased in cancerous tissues compared to their corresponding non-cancerous controls (p < 0.01). Sox2ot expression was associated with T stage, distant metastasis and differentiation (p = 0.009, 0.034 and 0.001, respectively). In addition, patients with high Sox2ot expression tended to have poorer OS and DFS (p < 0.001, respectively). Finally, multivariate analysis showed Sox2ot expression was an independent prognostic factor for GC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that overexpressed Sox2ot was correlated with aggressive tumor behavior. Sox2ot may serve as a novel prognostic factor and a potential target to improve the long-term outcome of GC.

Canertinib induces ototoxicity in three preclinical models

Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) ligand and its epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ERBB family regulate normal cellular proliferation and differentiation in many tissues including the cochlea. Aberrant NRG1 and ERBB signaling cause significant hearing impairment in mice. Dysregulation of the same signaling pathway in humans is involved in certain types of cancers such as breast cancer or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A new irreversible pan-ERBB inhibitor, canertinib, has been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of refractory NSCLC. Its possible ototoxicity was unknown. In this study, a significant dose-dependent canertinib ototoxicity was observed in a zebrafish model. Canertinib ototoxicity was further confirmed in two mouse models with different genetic backgrounds. The data strongly suggested an evolutionally preserved ERBB molecular mechanism underlying canertinib ototoxicity. Thus, these results imply that clinical monitoring of hearing loss should be considered for clinical testing of canertinib or other pan-ERBB inhibitors.

Identification of multiple metabolic enzymes from mice cochleae tissue using a novel functional proteomics technology

A new type of technology in proteomics was developed in order to separate a complex protein mixture and analyze protein functions systematically. The technology combines the ability of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) to separate proteins with a protein elution plate (PEP) to recover active proteins for functional analysis and mass spectrometry (MS)-based identification. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this functional proteomics approach, NADH and NADPH-dependent oxidases, major redox enzyme families, were identified from mice cochlear tissue after a specific drug treatment. By comparing the enzymatic activity between mice that were treated with a drug and a control group significant changes were observed. Using MS, five NADH-dependent oxidases were identified that showed highly altered enzymatic activities due to the drug treatment. In essence, the PEP technology allows for a systematic analysis of a large enzyme family from a complex proteome, providing insights in understanding the mechanism of drug treatment.

Virus excretion and antibody dynamics in goats inoculated with a field isolate of peste des petits ruminants virus

A field isolate of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) from an outbreak in Tibet, China, was inoculated into goats to investigate the dynamics of virus excretion and antibody production. Further, animals received PPRV vaccine strain Nigeria 75/1. Ocular, nasal and oral samples were tested for the presence of virus antigen by one-step real-time qualitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR); competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) was used for the measurement of specific antibodies against PPRV. Virus particles could be detected as early as day 3 post-inoculation (pi) and virus excretion lasted for up to day 26 pi. All four goats inoculated with the PPRV field isolate were seropositive as early as day 10 pi. In animals inoculated with the vaccine strain, antibody was detected at day 14 pi, and levels of neutralizing antibodies remained above the protection threshold level (1 : 8) for 8 months. Both virus particles and neutralizing antibodies were detected earlier in goats challenged with the field isolate than in those receiving the vaccine strain.

Transbrachial and femoral artery approach endovascular therapy for flush infrarenal aortic occlusion

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of transbrachial and femoral artery approach endovascular therapy with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and adjunctive therapy for flush infrarenal aortic occlusion (FIAO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2012 to December 2013, 11 consecutive patients (9 males; mean age 68 years; range 54-80 years) were submitted to endovascular therapy for FIAO. All patients were treated with CDT initially and then adjunctive endovascular treatments were performed to correct the underlying lesions.

RESULTS

Complete reconstruction of occluded aortoiliac arteries was successfully achieved in 81.8% (9/11) of patients. Left brachial and bilateral femoral arterial accesses were obtained in nine patients, and brachial and unilateral femoral in two patients. The residual lesions after CDT were corrected in nine patients and concomitant endovascular recanalization of superficial femoral artery was performed in two patients. Self-expandable stents were implanted in the all aortoiliac lesions with pre- and post-dilation. No renal or distal runoff embolization was seen during intraoperative angiography. Seven (7/9) patients with rest pain or tissue loss showed significant improvements in symptoms and two (2/9) patients with intermittent claudication gained an improved walking distance. The ABI rose significantly between pre- and post-procedure (0.84 ± 0.18 vs. 0.44 ± 0.13 on the right leg, p < .01; 0.89 ± 0.23 vs. 0.48 ± 0.16 on the left, p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Transbrachial and femoral artery approach endovascular therapy for FIAO offers an alternative to surgical reconstruction with immediate outcomes.

T-type calcium channel blockers as neuroprotective agents

T-type calcium channels are expressed in many diverse tissues, including neuronal, cardiovascular, and endocrine. T-type calcium channels are known to play roles in the development, maintenance, and repair of these tissues but have also been implicated in disease when not properly regulated. Calcium channel blockers have been developed to treat various diseases and their use clinically is widespread due to both their efficacy as well as their safety. Aside from their established clinical applications, recent studies have suggested neuroprotective effects of T-type calcium channel blockers. Many of the current T-type calcium channel blockers could act on other molecular targets besides T-type calcium channels making it uncertain whether their neuroprotective effects are solely due to blocking of T-type calcium channels. In this review, we discuss these drugs as well as newly developed chemical compounds that are designed to be more selective for T-type calcium channels. We review in vitro and in vivo evidence of neuroprotective effects by these T-type calcium channel blockers. We conclude by discussing possible molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects by T-type calcium channel blockers.

Quantitative trait loci and candidate genes associated with starch pasting viscosity characteristics in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Starch pasting viscosity is an important quality trait in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars. The aim here was to identify loci and candidate genes associated with the starch pasting viscosity. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for seven pasting viscosity parameters was carried out using 100 lines of an F1 mapping population from a cross between two cassava cultivars Huay Bong 60 and Hanatee. Starch samples were obtained from roots of cassava grown in 2008 and 2009 at Rayong, and in 2009 at Lop Buri province, Thailand. The traits showed continuous distribution among the F1 progeny with transgressive variation. Fifteen QTL were identified from mean trait data, with Logarithm of Odds (LOD) values from 2.77-13.01 and phenotype variations explained (PVE) from10.0-48.4%. In addition, 48 QTL were identified in separate environments. The LOD values ranged from 2.55-8.68 and explained 6.6-43.7% of phenotype variation. The loci were located on 19 linkage groups. The most important QTL for pasting temperature (PT) (qPT.1LG1) from mean trait values showed largest effect with highest LOD value (13.01) and PVE (48.4%). The QTL co-localised with PT and pasting time (PTi) loci that were identified in separate environments. Candidate genes were identified within the QTL peak regions. However, the major genes of interest, encoding the family of glycosyl or glucosyl transferases and hydrolases, were located at the periphery of QTL peaks. The loci identified could be effectively applied in breeding programmes to improve cassava starch quality. Alleles of candidate genes should be further studied in order to better understand their effects on starch quality traits.

Abstract P2-14-04: Effect of age at the time of diagnosis on overall and cancer-specific mortality in breast cancer: Analysis of SEER, 1990-2008

Background: As a critical factor, age at the time of diagnosis has a significant impact on cancer therapy and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the overall mortality (OM) and breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) in patients with breast cancer corresponding to age at the time of diagnosis, thus constructing an age-related pattern on breast cancer survival.

Methods: We analyzed data for 396,978 women aged 20-79 from 1990 to 2008 diagnosed with breast cancer from the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the U.S. national cancer institute. Clinicopathological factors and outcomes were compared using a chi-square test, the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results: In the multivariable analysis, a significant relationship was found between age at the time of diagnosis and OM (p&lt;0.001) as well as BCSM (p&lt;0.001). Using 70-79 years old as the reference, the hazard ratio (HR) of OM and BCSM presents a U-like shape with the bottom at the group 40-49 years old (OM: HR,0.56; P&lt;0.001; BCSM: HR,0.58; p&lt;0.001) and 50-59 years old (OM: HR,0.59; P&lt;0.001;; BCSM: HR,0.60; p&lt;0.001), increasing to both ends gradually. Analysis in subgroup according to ER and PgR status, group 20-29 years old showed no significant difference with group 70-79 years old on both OM and BCSM in all subgroups except on BCSM in ER+PR+ subgroup (HR,1.25; P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Patients at very young and very old age (20-29 years old and 70-79 years old) have the poorest outcomes while prognosis improves with age towards mean level. The very young age (20-29 years old) may be regarded as a significant hazard factor for BCSM in patients with ER+PR+ breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-14-04.