Differential transmission of Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus by three cryptic species of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci complex

In recent years, Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV), a begomovirus (genus Begmovirus, family Geminiviridae) causing cassava mosaic disease in Asia, poses serious threats to cassava cultivation in Asia. However, the transmission of SLCMV in the areas into which it has recently been introduced remain largely unexplored. Here we have compared the transmission efficiencies of SLCMV by three widely distributed whitefly species in Asia, and found that only Asia II 1 whiteflies were able to transmit this virus efficiently. The transmission efficiencies of SLCMV by different whitefly species were found to correlate positively with quantity of virus in whitefly whole body. Further, the viral transmission efficiency was found to be associated with varied ability of virus movement within different species of whiteflies. These findings provide detailed information regarding whitefly transmission of SLCMV, which will help to understand the spread of SLCMV in the field, and facilitate the prediction of virus epidemics.

The inherited bacterial symbiont Hamiltonella influences the sex ratio of an insect host

In many intracellular symbioses, the microbial symbionts provide nutrients advantageous to the host. However, the function of Hamiltonella defensa, a symbiotic bacterium localized in specialized host cells (bacteriocytes) of a whitefly Bemisia tabaci, is uncertain. We eliminate this bacterium from its whitefly host by two alternative methods: heat treatment and antibiotics. The sex ratio of the host progeny and subsequent generations of Hamiltonella-free females was skewed from 1 : 1 (male : female) to an excess of males, often exceeding a ratio of 20 : 1. B. tabaci is haplodiploid, with diploid females derived from fertilized eggs and haploid males from unfertilized eggs. The Hamiltonella status of the insect did not affect copulation frequency or sperm reserve in the spermathecae, indicating that the male-biased sex ratio is unlikely due to the limitation of sperm but likely to be associated with events subsequent to sperm transfer to the female insects, such as failure in fertilization. The host reproductive response to Hamiltonella elimination is consistent with two alternative processes: adaptive shift in sex allocation by females and a constitutive compensatory response of the insect to Hamiltonella-mediated manipulation. Our findings suggest that a bacteriocyte symbiont influences the reproductive output of female progeny in a haplodiploid insect.

[Status of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use in areas with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China: a multi-center cross-sectional survey]

Objective: To describe the status of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use in areas with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China. Methods: This study was based on the National Key Research and Development Program of "National Precision Medicine Cohort of Esophageal Cancer" and "Study on Identification and Prevention of High-risk Populations of Gastrointestinal Malignancies (Esophageal cancer, Gastric cancer and Colorectal cancer)" . From January 2017 to August 2018, 212 villages or communities with a high incidence of esophageal cancer or gastric cancer were selected from 12 regions in 6 provinces. A total of 35 910 residents aged between 40 and 69 years old who met the inclusion criteria and signed the informed consent were investigated and enrolled in this study. The use of NSAIDs, demographic characteristics, health-related habits, height, weight, and blood pressure were collected by the questionnaire and physical examination. The status of main NSAIDs (aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen) use with the difference varying in genders, age groups and regions were analyzed by using χ(2) test and Cochran-Armitage trend analysis method. Results: Of 35 910 subjects, the mean age was (54.6±7.1) years old and males accounted for 43.42% (15 591). The overall prevalence of NSAIDs intake was 4.56% (1 638), but it significantly varied in different provinces (P<0.001). The overall prevalence of NSAIDs intake was 4.87% (1 750) in females, which was significantly higher than that in males 4.24% (1 524) (P<0.001). The prevalence of NSAIDs intake increased with age (P for trend <0.001). As the frequency of NSAIDs intake increased, the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, gastrointestinal ulcers and black stools increased (P for trend <0.05 for all). Conclusion: The use of NSAIDs is prevalent in some areas with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China. The increased use of NSAIDs may lead to more adverse effects related to the gastrointestinal tract.

Conservation of transcriptional elements in the obligate symbiont of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci

Background

Bacterial symbiosis is widespread in arthropods, especially in insects. Some of the symbionts undergo a long-term co-evolution with the host, resulting in massive genome decay. One particular consequence of genome decay is thought to be the elimination of transcriptional elements within both the coding region and intergenic sequences. In the whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex, the obligate symbiont Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum is of vital importance in nutrient provision, and yet little is known about the regulatory capacities of it.

Methods

Portiera genomes of two whitefly species in China were sequenced and assembled. Gene content of these two Portiera genomes was predicted, and then subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Together with two other Portiera genomes from whitefly species available previously, four Portiera genomes were utilized to investigate regulatory capacities of Portiera, focusing on transcriptional elements, including genes related with transcription and functional elements within the intergenic spacers.

Results

Comparative analyses of the four Portiera genomes of whitefly B. tabaci indicate that the obligate symbionts Portiera is similar in different species of whiteflies, in terms of general genome features and possible functions in the biosynthesis of essential amino acids. The screening of transcriptional factors suggests compromised ability of Portiera to regulate the essential amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Meanwhile, thermal tolerance ability of Portiera is indicated with the detection of a σ³² factor, as well as two predicted σ³² binding sites. Within intergenic spacers, functional elements are predicted, including 37 Shine-Dalgarno sequences and 34 putative small RNAs.

[Application of machine learning models in predicting early stone-free rate after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy for renal stones]

OBJECTIVE

To establish predictive models based on random forest and XGBoost machine learning algorithm and to investigate their value in predicting early stone-free rate (SFR) after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (fURL) in patients with renal stones.

METHODS

The clinical data of 201 patients with renal stones who underwent fURL were retrospectively investigated. According to the stone-free standard, the patients were divided into stone-free group (SF group) and stone-residual group (SR group). We compared a number of factors including patient age, body mass index (BMI), stone number, stone volume, stone density and hydronephrosis between the two groups. For low calyceal calculi, renal anatomic parameters including infundibular angle (IPA), infundibular width (IW), infundibular length (IL) and pelvic calyceal height (PCH), would be measured. We brought above potential predictive factors into random forest and XGBoost machine learning algorithm respectively to develop two predictive models. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was established in order to test the predictive ability of the model. Clinical data of 71 patients were collected prospectively to validate the predictive models externally.

RESULTS

In this study, 201 fURL operations were successfully completed. The one-phase early SFR was 61.2%. We built two predictive models based on random forest and XGBoost machine learning algorithm. The predictive variables' importance scores were obtained. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of the two predictive models for early stone clearance status prediction was 0.77. In the study, 71 test samples were used for external validation. The results showed that the total predictive accuracy, predictive specificity and predictive sensitivity of the random forest and XGBoost models were 75.7%, 82.6%, 60.0%, and 81.4%, 87.0%, 68.0%, respectively. The first four predictive variables in importance were stone volume, mean stone density, maximal stone density and BMI in both random forest and XGBoost predictive models.

CONCLUSION

The predictive models based on random forest and XGBoost machine learning algorithm can predict postoperative early stone status after fURL for renal stones accurately, which will facilitate preoperative evaluation and clinical decision-making. Stone volume, mean stone density, maximal stone density and BMI may be the important predictive factors affecting early SFR after fURL for renal stones.

[Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric cancer: a single center large sample case investigation]

OBJECTIVE

Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is different from the traditional gastric cancer (Epstein-Barr virus non-associated gastric cancer, EBVnGC), and has unique clinicopathological features. This study investigated the largest single center cancer series so as to establish the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of EBVaGC in China.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on EBVaGC and EBVnGC patients diagnosed at Peking University Cancer Hospital from 2003 to 2018 by comparing their clinicopathological features and prognosis. The gastric cancer (GC) dataset of public database was analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes. The expression of important genes and their association with prognosis of GC were verified in GC tissues from our hospital.

RESULTS

In this study, 3 241 GC patients were included, and a total of 163 EBVaGC (5.0%) patients were identified. Compared with EBVnGC, EBVaGC was higher in male and younger patients, and positively associated with remnant GC, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and mixed type GC. EBVaGC was inversely related to lymph node metastasis. The 5-year survival rate of EBVnGC and EBVaGC was 59.6% and 63.2% respectively (P<0.05). In order to explore molecular features of EBVaGC, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was analyzed (n=240), and 7 404 significant differentially expressed genes were obtained, involving cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. The down-regulated invasion/metastasis gene SALL4 and the up-regulated immune checkpoint gene PD-L1 were important molecular features of EBVaGC. Validation of these two genes in large GC series showed that the majority of the EBVaGC was SALL4 negative (1/92, 1.1%, lower than EBVnGC, 303/1 727, 17.5%), and that PD-L1 was mostly positive in EBVaGC (81/110, 73.6%, higher than EBVnGC, 649/2 350, 27.6%). GC patients with SALL4 negative and PD-L1 positive were often associated with better prognosis.

CONCLUSION

EBVaGC is a unique subtype of GC with less metastasis and a good prognosis. It also has a distinct molecular background. The down-regulation of invasion/metastasis gene SALL4 and up-regulation of immune checkpoint gene PD-L1 are important molecular features.

A complete mitochondrial DNA genome of whitefly species (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from Litchi chinensis

A novel complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of whitefly species, collected from Litchi chinensis at Fujian province of China (hereafter whitefly_Litchi chinensis _China) (GenBank accession number: MH999477), was described in this study. The mitogenome of whitefly_Litchi chinensis _China is 15,360 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 21 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs and a non-coding AT-rich region (D-loop). The arrangement of mitochondrial genes of whitefly_Litchi chinensis_China are identical with Aleurochiton aceris, but remarkably different from the mitogenomes of the other whitefly genus. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) start with ATN, except for nad2, cox2 and atp6 genes starting with TTG, GTG, and TTG, respectively; 10 of the 13 PCGs use the typical stop codon TAN, whereas cox1, and cox2 stop with a single T. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 PCGs support the close relationship of the sample with Aleurochiton aceris, which would provide us further insights on the taxonomy and phylogeny of Aleyrodidae.

[Application of U-shaped convolutional neural network in auto segmentation and reconstruction of 3D prostate model in laparoscopic prostatectomy navigation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of intraoperative cognitive navigation on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using 3D prostatic models created by U-shaped convolutional neural network (U-net) and reconstructed through Medical Image Interaction Tool Kit (MITK) platform.

METHODS

A total of 5 000 pieces of prostate cancer magnetic resonance (MR) imaging discovery sets with manual annotations were used to train a modified U-net, and a set of clinically demand-oriented, stable and efficient full convolutional neural network algorithm was constructed. The MR images were cropped and segmented automatically by using modified U-net, and the segmentation data were automatically reconstructed using MITK platform according to our own protocols. The modeling data were output as STL format, and the prostate models were simultaneously displayed on an android tablet during the operation to help achieving cognitive navigation.

RESULTS

Based on original U-net architecture, we established a modified U-net from a 201-case MR imaging training set. The network performance was tested and compared with human segmentations and other segmentation networks by using one certain testing data set. Auto segmentation of multi-structures (such as prostate, prostate tumors, seminal vesicles, rectus, neurovascular bundles and dorsal venous complex) were successfully achieved. Secondary automatic 3D reconstruction had been carried out through MITK platform. During the surgery, 3D models of prostatic area were simultaneously displayed on an android tablet, and the cognitive navigation was successfully achieved. Intra-operation organ visualization demonstrated the structural relationships among the key structures in great detail and the degree of tumor invasion was visualized directly.

CONCLUSION

The modified U-net was able to achieve automatic segmentations of important structures of prostate area. Secondary 3D model reconstruction and demonstration could provide intraoperative visualization of vital structures of prostate area, which could help achieve cognitive fusion navigation for surgeons. The application of these techniques could finally reduce positive surgical margin rates, and may improve the efficacy and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Insight into the microbial world of Bemisia tabaci cryptic species complex and its relationships with its host

The 37 currently recognized Bemisia tabaci cryptic species are economically important species and contain both primary and secondary endosymbionts, but their diversity has never been mapped systematically across the group. To achieve this, PacBio sequencing of full-length bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons was carried out on 21 globally collected species in the B. tabaci complex, and two samples from B. afer were used here as outgroups. The microbial diversity was first explored across the major lineages of the whole group and 15 new putative bacterial sequences were observed. Extensive comparison of our results with previous endosymbiont diversity surveys which used PCR or multiplex 454 pyrosequencing platforms showed that the bacterial diversity was underestimated. To validate these new putative bacteria, one of them (Halomonas) was first confirmed to be present in MED B. tabaci using Hiseq2500 and FISH technologies. These results confirmed PacBio is a reliable and informative venue to reveal the bacterial diversity of insects. In addition, many new secondary endosymbiotic strains of Rickettsia and Arsenophonus were found, increasing the known diversity in these groups. For the previously described primary endosymbionts, one Portiera Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) was shared by all B. tabaci species. The congruence of the B. tabaci-host and Portiera phylogenetic trees provides strong support for the hypothesis that primary endosymbionts co-speciated with their hosts. Likewise, a comparison of bacterial alpha diversities, Principal Coordinate Analysis, indistinct endosymbiotic communities harbored by different species and the co-divergence analyses suggest a lack of association between overall microbial diversity with cryptic species, further indicate that the secondary endosymbiont-mediated speciation is unlikely to have occurred in the B. tabaci species group.

[Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica: a clinicopathological analysis of 18 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical symptoms, imaging features, pathologic manifestations and diagnosis of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO). Methods: The clinical data, imaging and pathologic features and outcome of 18 TO patients diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2011 to August 2018 were collected and analyzed. Results: The 18 TO patients included 10 males and 8 females; patients' age range was 31 to 64 years (mean 52 years). Six patients (6/18) were smokers. The main presenting clinical symptoms included cough in 15 cases, expectoration in eight cases (8/18), hemoptysis in five cases (5/18), chest tightness in four cases, wheezing in three cases and chest pain in two cases. The time interval between the initial symptoms and diagnosis was 1.5 to 360.0 months, and the average time interval was 45.2 months. Blood calcium and phosphorus were normal in 18 patients (18/18). Chest X-ray showed no direct evidence of TO. Six patients (6/18) showed irregular changes in the trachea or bronchial wall by chest CT scan. Three patients (3/18) had mild ventilatory obstruction. TO was classified as: 10 cases (10/18) were scattered type, seven cases (7/18) were diffuse type and one case (1/18) was confluent type. Epithelial squamous metaplasia, submucosal cartilage, submucosal ossification and hematopoietic bone marrow within the ossified areas were the characteristic histopathologic findings of TO. Conclusions: TO is a rare benign disorder that shows atypical presentation. CT scan is insensitive, the histopathology shows submucosal cartilage or ossification. TO should be diagnosed by comprehensive consideration of clinical symptoms, imaging and pathology.

[Application of narrow-band imaging flexible ureteroscopy in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of upper tract urothelial carcinomas]

Objective: To investigate application value of narrow-band imaging (NBI) flexible ureteroscopy in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of upper urinary tract transitional carcinomas (UTUC). Methods: From June 2015 to June 2017, 16 patients of UTUC were treated by flexible ureteroscopy with white light (WLI) and NBI at Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital , including 10 females and 6 males. The age of patients ranged from 43 to 84 years (average 68.9 years). There were 54 cases, including 16 cases with first-suspicion of cancer, and 38 cases with known of UTUC as follow-up. Full renal collecting system examination was performed first under WLI and then under NBI by a single urologist, using the URF-V digital flexible ureteroscope. Then number of tumors visualized by WLI and NBI flexible ureteroscopy were imaged, recorded, and then biopsied or subsequently treated by holmium laser resection with pathological examination. The diagnosis results of NBI flexible ureteroscopy were compared with WLI flexible ureteroscopy results. All the patients underwent 2(nd)-look ureteroscopy after 4 to 6 weeks since the first ureteroscopy, and after that follow-up flexible ureteroscopy was every 6 months. Results: All the operations of 54 cases were successful. One case was treated with flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy to treat the renal pelvis tumors, duo to the multiple and much larger tumors. Subjectively, NBI significantly provided a much clearer view of the tumors, especially their limits and vascular architecture. Objectively, 4 additional tumors (11.5%), as well the extended limits of 3 tumors (8.5%) were detected by NBI when findings by WLI were considered normal. The rate of diagnosis of tumors raised 20.0%. Conclusions: Compared with WLI, NBI flexible ureteroscopy provided even more image of UTUC especially their border between tumor tissue and normal tissue. NBI improved the detection of UTUC over standard WLI with higher rate of diagnosis or lower rate of missed diagnosis.

[Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma: a study of 59 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic indicators of primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Methods: Fifty-nine cases of primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma were collected from August 2011 to December 2017 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All cases were retrospectively studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. The clinicopathological features were reviewed and patient survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. Status of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), KRAS, BRAF genes was analyzed in 15 of the 59 study cases. Results: Among 59 cases, there were 25 males and 34 females with male to female ratio of 1.0 to 1.4. The patient age ranged from 29 to 81 years with a mean age of 55 years. The tumor max diameters ranged from 1.0 to 9.6 cm with an average diameter of 2.8 cm. Fifteen (25.4%) patients were smokers while 44 patients (74.6%) were non-smokers. Tumors predominantly occurred in the trachea (28/59,47.5%), the left main bronchus (7/59,11.9%) and the right bronchus (5/59,8.5%). Grossly, the tumors were well circumscribed, greyish-white nodules. Microscopically the tumor cells were small and uniform, and arranged in tubular, cribriform, and solid patterns. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were positive for CK7, S-100 protein, Sox-10, CD117 and p63. TTF1 was only positive in 2 cases and Ki-67 index ranged from 3% to 40%. Eighteen cases (30.5%) were gradeⅠ, 26 cases (40.1%) grade Ⅱ, and 15 cases (25.4%) grade Ⅲ. Overall, 39 cases (66.1%), 7 cases (11.9%), 10 cases (16.9%), and 3 cases (5.1%) were at stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ, respectively. Twenty-three patients (39.0%) received surgical therapy, 3 patients (5.1%) surgery combined with radiotherapy, 9 patients (15.2%) surgery combined with chemotherapy, and 24 cases (40.7%) chemotherapy only. No mutation of EGFR, KRAS and BRAF was detected in all 15 tested cases. The overall survival rate at the first, third and fifth years was 94.9%, 86.4% and 84.7%, respectively. Prognostic analysis showed that patient's age and tumor size were statistically associated with the survival (P<0.05). Conclusions: Majority of the patients with primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma are at an early clinical stage with a favorable prognosis. The size of the tumor and the age of the patients are independent prognostic indicators.

[IL-25-regulated type 2 innate lymphoid cells activation promote allergic fungal rhinosinusitis]

Objective: To investigate the regulation of IL-25 on type Ⅱ innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) activation in the pathogenesis of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Methods: Nasal mucosa tissues were collected from 16 AFRS patients and 12 patients, who underwent nasal endoscopic surgery for cerebrospinal rhinorrhea or skull base benign tumor during the period from June 2016 to June 2017 in Department of Rhinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Firstly, flow cytometry was used to detect ILC2s in nasal mucosa of both groups. Secondly, the expression of IL-25, IL-5 and IL-13 in nasal mucosa was detected by immunofluorescence and/or Western Blot assay. Finally, fungal extracts, IL-25 and glucocorticoids were used to stimulate nasal mucosal epithelial cells and tissues in vitro respectively to detect the regulatory effect of IL-25 on ILC2s. SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of ILC2s in nasal tissues was higher in patients with AFRS than those of the control group ((3.85±1.52)%(Mean±SD) vs (0.32±0.10)%, U=9.00, P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the prevalence of ILC2s and the number of eosinophils in nasal mucosa of patients with ARFS (r=0.80, P<0.05). The expression of IL-25, IL-5 and IL-13 in nasal mucosa epithelium of AFRS group was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.49±0.13 vs 0.23±0.09, 0.23±0.05 vs 0.10±0.04, 0.31±0.08 vs 0.14±0.07, t value was 5.90, 7.21, 5.69, respectively, all P<0.05). Fungal stimulation enhanced the expression of IL-25 protein in nasal epithelial cells of both groups (0.67±0.19 vs 0.25±0.12 (AFRS group), 0.62±0.17 vs 0.27±0.16 (control group), q value was 8.65, 9.26, respectively, all P<0.05). In the IL-25 stimulated nasal mucosa at a concentration of 1, 10 and 100 ng/ml, the expression level of retinoid acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα) mRNA was 2.07±1.53, 5.06±0.93, 7.38±2.30, respectively; the expression level of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) mRNA was 3.58±1.29, 6.14±1.55, 7.64±2.28, respectively; the expression level of IL-5 protein was 0.21±0.06, 0.32±0.06, 0.38±0.10, respectively; the expression level of IL-13 was 0.52±0.13, 0.69±0.22, 0.82±0.21, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in the unstimulated nasal mucosa (1.00±0.00, 1.00±0.00, 0.11±0.05, 0.35±0.15, F value was 63.45, 59.27, 49.35, 20.20, respectively, all P<0.05). The up-regulation could be inhibited by dexamethasone (F value was 89.20, 92.47, 99.63, 49.82, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: Epithelial-derived IL-25 up-regulates the expression of IRC2s-dependent transcription factors RORα and GATA3 mRNA, which are positively correlated with elevated IL-13 and IL-5 expression levels in tissues, may be involved in AFRS inflammatory response, and are inhibited by glucocorticoids.

Transovarial transmission of tomato yellow leaf curl virus by seven species of the Bemisia tabaci complex indigenous to China: Not all whiteflies are the same

Begomoviruses contain some of the most damaging viral disease agents of crops worldwide, and are transmitted by whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci species complex. During the last 20 years, transovarial transmission of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) has been reported in two invasive species of the B. tabaci complex. To further decipher the importance of this mode of transmission, we analyzed transovarial transmission of TYLCV by seven whitefly species indigenous to China. TYLCV virions were detected in eggs of all species except one, and in nymphs of two species, but in none of the ensuing adults of all seven species. Our results suggest that these indigenous whiteflies are unable to transmit TYLCV, a begomovirus alien to China, via ova to produce future generations of viruliferous adults, although most of the species exhibit varying ability to carry over the virus to the eggs/nymphs of their offspring via transovarial transmission.

[Clinical study of "point-line-surface-volume" four dimensional holmium laser enucleation of prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia]

Objective: To investigate application value of "point-line-surface-volume" four dimensional holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: From December 2016 to November 2017, the clinical data of 60 cases of BPH with the treatment of "Point-line-surface-volume" four dimensional HoLEP at Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The age was (73.8±8.0) years (range: 60 to 96 years), body mass index was (23.2±3.6) kg/m(2) (range: 14.9 to 31.1 kg/m(2)), volume of prostate was (64.5±36.9) ml (range: 15.5 to 197.9 ml). All the cases were operated by the same chief surgeon expert in endoscopic surgery. First of all, taking verumontanum as the anchor point, crossing point between the outer 45° line of verumontanum and middle line of the lateral lobe and verumontanum was made as the breakthrough point. The "blasting and paddling" method was used to find prostatic surgery capsule, and the two sides of the capsule plane were connected in front of the verumontanum. Secondly, the plane was maintained by the "fan tunnel" method, and the middle lobe and the lateral lobes were divided at the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions. The glands of the middle lobe were first removed and pushed into the bladder. Then, on the anteroinferior inclined coronal plane through 12 o'clock point right above of verumontanum, the urethral mucosa was cut apart in a semi-curved shape in advance. Bilateral semi-curved incision confluenced above the verumontanum, and extend to the bladder neck to form an inverted Y-shaped groove which completely divided the bilateral lobes. Finally, the bilateral lobes were enucleated respectively, and glands in the bladder were removed by tissue morcellator. Clinical data included operative time, hemoglobin decrease, catheterization duration, postoperative hospital stay, preoperative and postoperative international prostate symptom score and quality of life (QOL) score. The efficiency of enucleation was calculated as prostatic volume divided by enucleation time (not including morcellation time). The efficiency of morcellation was calculated as prostatic volume divided by morcellation time. Paired t-test was used to compare the indexes before and after surgery. Results: All the operations of 60 cases were sumlessful, one of which prostate tissue was removed by conversion to transurethral resection prostate due to malfunction of tissue morcellator. The operative time was (115.2±52.9) minutes (range: 25 to 276 minutes). The enucleation efficiency was (0.81±0.35) ml/minutes (range: 0.17 to 1.58 ml/minutes). The morcellation efficiency was (6.60±4.28) ml/minutes (range: 0.89 to 17.42 ml/minutes). The hemoglobin was decreased by (15.9±12.3) g/L (range:-10 to 57 g/L). Meanwhile, catheterization duration was (5.2±2.9) days (range: 0.8 to 19.8 days), and postoperative hospital stays were (5.0±1.5) days (range: 1.9 to 11.9 days). Preoperative and postoperative IPSS scores (10.92±6.98 vs. 23.37±7.49, t=10.357, P=0.000) and QOL scores (1.75±1.62 vs. 4.53±1.47, t=9.373, P=0.000) were significantly different. Postoperative complications included: 4 cases of fever (greater than 38.5 ℃), 1 case of acute epididymitis, 1 case of bladder mucosal injury, and 1 case of active bleeding need blood transfusion therapy. Conclusion: "Point-line-surface-volume" four dimensional HoLEP is an effective and safe minimally invasive method in the treatment of BPH.

Plant begomoviruses subvert ubiquitination to suppress plant defenses against insect vectors

Most plant viruses are vectored by insects and the interactions of virus-plant-vector have important ecological and evolutionary implications. Insect vectors often perform better on virus-infected plants. This indirect mutualism between plant viruses and insect vectors promotes the spread of virus and has significant agronomical effects. However, few studies have investigated how plant viruses manipulate plant defenses and promote vector performance. Begomoviruses are a prominent group of plant viruses in tropical and sub-tropical agro-ecosystems and are transmitted by whiteflies. Working with the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, begomoviruses and tobacco, we revealed that C2 protein of begomoviruses lacking DNA satellites was responsible for the suppression of plant defenses against whitefly vectors. We found that infection of plants by tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), one of the most devastating begomoviruses worldwide, promoted the survival and reproduction of whitefly vectors. TYLCV C2 protein suppressed plant defenses by interacting with plant ubiquitin. This interaction compromised the degradation of JAZ1 protein, thus inhibiting jasmonic acid defense and the expression of MYC2-regulated terpene synthase genes. We further demonstrated that function of C2 protein among begomoviruses not associated with satellites is well conserved and ubiquitination is an evolutionarily conserved target of begomoviruses for the suppression of plant resistance to whitefly vectors. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ubiquitination inhibition by begomovirus C2 protein might be a general mechanism in begomovirus, whitefly and plant interactions.

[Transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser resection for tumors of renal pelvis: 6 cases report and literature review]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser resection in treatment of renal pelvic carcinoma and to evaluate its value in treatment of renal pelvic carcinoma.

METHODS

The clinical data of 6 patients with renal pelvic carcinoma treated in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2015 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The 6 patients were treated by the same experienced urologist and by flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser resection of renal pelvic tumors under general anesthesia. Regarding the intensity of the holmium laser, 10-30 W was generally used with settings of 0.5-1.5 J and 10-20 Hz. In general, a 200 μm end-firing holmium laser fiber was used. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) technique was applicated to search for tumors and check whether the excision was satisfactory. Routine "second flexible ureteroscopy" was performed after 4-6 weeks, and suspected lesions were referred for a biopy, then vaporized and cauterized. The ureteroscopy was examined every 6 months after operation, and color Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography urography (CTU) or magnetic resonance urography (MRU) were performed at the same time. The urine tumor cells were examined for 3 days before the operation, and the urine tumor markers, such as urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) were tested. For cases with highisk urothelial carcinoma and normal renal function, and 6 cycles of systemic adjuvant chemotherapy were performed after operation.

RESULTS

All of the cases were successfully treated. The data were as follows: the operation time 77.5 min (45-115 min), the blood loss 10 mL (5-20 mL), and hospital stay after surgery 3 days (2-5 days). After 13-34 months' followp, two patients had recurrent tumor recurrence and underwent resection operation. Two patients received systemic adjuvant chemotherapy after operation. Case 5 was histopathologically high grade urothelial carcinoma, and 6 cycles of systemic chemotherapy were given after operation. Local recurrence occurred during chemotherapy, and then endoscopic operation was performed, and no recurrence occurred in the follow-up for 12 months after reoperation. In case 6, the pathology was low grade urothelial carcinoma, but the case was multiple tumors in the right renal calyx and the lower calyx. Then 6 cycles of systemic chemotherapy were given, and no recurrence was found in the followp for 13 months.

CONCLUSION

Transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser resection is relatively safe for the treatment of renal pelvic carcinoma. It is suitable for special cases of solitary kidney and renal dysfunction, as well as for patients with low risk urinary tract epithelial tumors, but the recurrence rate is high, and the indications need to be strictly controlled. Patients with high-risk urothelial carcinoma who underwent endoscopic resection are advised to receive systemic adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) regimen after surgery, in order to increase the overall survival rate. Systemic chemotherapy combined with endoscopic operation may become a new treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

[The clinical significance of circulating follicular helper T cells in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic myeloperoxidase antibody-associated vasculitis]

Objective: To investigate the change of circulating follicular helper T cells (cTfh) in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic myeloperoxidase antibody-associated vasculitis (MPO-AAV), and to analyze the relationship between cTfh and disease activity. Methods: Thirty-eight untreated MPO-AAV patients (patient group) and thirty-eight healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled in this study. cTfh and membrane expression of inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic myeloperoxidase antibody (MPO-ANCA) was measured by ELISA. Disease activity was evaluated by Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS). Results: Compared with those in control group, the proportions of cTfh, ICOS(+)Tfh and PD-1(+) Tfh cells in patient group were significantly higher [(25.9±3.8)% vs. (21.0±5.3)%, P<0.001; (1.8±0.8)% vs. (0.8±0.5)%, P<0.001 and (10.2±2.8)% vs. (8.2±2.2)%, P=0.001, respectively]. Meanwhile, the expression of ICOS and PD-1 on cTfh in patient group was markedly more intensive (59.6±10.0 vs.49.2±6.9, P<0.001 and 532.6±104.2 vs. 485.1±73.4, P=0.025, respectively). In patient group, the proportion of cTfh was positively correlated with the ratio of ICOS(+)Tfh, the expression of ICOS, the level of MPO-ANCA and BVAS (r=0.407, P=0.011; r=0.705, P<0.001; r=0.737, P<0.001 and r=0.663, P<0.001, respectively). The expression intensity of ICOS on cTfh was positively associated with ICOS(+)Tfh ratio, serum MPO-ANCA and BVAS (r=0.388, P=0.016; r=0.645, P<0.001 and r=0.653, P<0.001, respectively). Nevertheless, the expression of PD-1 on cTfh was only positively correlated with the ratio of PD-1(+) Tfh (r=0.473, P=0.003). Conclusions: Enhanced cTfh in patients with MPO-AAV might produce MPO-ANCA, which is related to the aggravation of MPO-AAV. Thus, cTfh and its ICOS could be potentially targeted for the treatment of MPO-AAV.

[Abuse of diphenoxylate and related factors of forced drug abstainer in Gansu province]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of diphenoxylate abuse and related factors of forced drug abstainer in Gansu province. Methods: By using a self-designed questionnaire, an epidemiologic investigation was carried out among 2 108 forced drug abstainer selected from the compulsory isolation detoxification center of Gansu province. A case-control study was conducted to analyze the factors related with diphenoxylate abuse. Results: The diphenoxylate abuse rate among forced drug abstainer in Gansu was 19.8% (406/2 046), ranking first in medical drug abuse. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that factors as relieving withdrawal symptoms (OR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.01- 4.32), ways to obtain diphenoxylate (other ways: OR=1.00; regular clinic: OR=27.67, 95%CI: 2.64-289.82; friend: OR=0.01, 95%CI: 0.01-0.03), degree of euphoria (high: OR=1.00; medium: OR =3.36, 95%CI: 1.18-9.55; low: OR=26.16, 95%CI: 10.30-66.42), years of drug abuse (<5 years: OR=1.00; 10-15 years: OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.02-6.04), abuse at home or in friend's house (OR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.08-8.68), abuse in car (OR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.00-0.68) and detoxification for the first time (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.43-0.86) were the possible influencing factors for diphenoxylate abuse. Conclusions: The prevalence of diphenoxylate abuse in forced drug abstainer in Gansu was relatively high. Reasons of abusing, the way to obtain diphenoxylate, whether using drug together with friends, degree of euphoria, years of abuse, abuse place and times for detoxification were related factors influencing the abuse of diphenoxylate.

[Establishment of Cas9 stably expressed human hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines]

Objective: To facilitate using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system in human liver and gallbladder cancer cells, we established Cas9 stably expressed human liver and gallbladder cancer cell lines, and validated the gene editing activity of Cas9. Methods: Human liver cancer cell lines (Huh7, PLC/PRF/5, HepG2, Hep3b, SK-HEP-1 and Li-7), human cholangiocarcinoma cells (RBE) and human gallbladder cancer cells (GBC-SD) were infected with 3 Cas9-expressing lentivirus vectors (pLv-EF1α-Cas9-Flag-Neo, pLv-EF1α-Cas9-Flag-Puro, Cas9m1.1), respectively, and Cas9 stably expressed colonies were screened and selected. We extracted the genomic DNA and protein, validated the stable expression of Cas9 by using genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot. Three of cell lines were further infected with Lv-EF1α-mCherry. Then mCherry positive cells were sorted by flow cytometry and infected with designed guide RNA (gRNA) vectors which targeted mCherry gene. Subsequently the gene editing activity of Cas9 was detected by genomic PCR, fluorescence microscopic observation and flow cytometry analysis. Results: One hundred Cas9-expressing human liver and gallbladder cancer cell lines were selected. Among them, 35 cell lines expressed Cas9-Neo, 25 expressed Cas9-puro, and 40 expressed mutant Cas9 (mCas9). We also established 3 cell lines with stable expression of mCherry (Huh7-mCas9-M, PLC/PRF/5-Cas9-M and SK-HEP-1-Cas9-M). The results of genomic PCR and sequencing showed that by lentiviral infection with 2 types of designed gRNA, the long fragment deletion of mCherry gene was found in these 3 cell lines. Moreover, mCherry(-)EGFP(+) cells infected with 2 types of gRNA were observed by fluorescence microscope. The results of flow cytometry showed that mCherry(-)EGFP(+) cells accounted from 0.3% to 93.6%. Conclusion: We successfully establish 100 human liver and gallbladder cancer cell lines with stable expression of Cas9 protein and validate their activities of gene editing.