[Differential expressions analysis of piwi-interacting RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To investigates the role of piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNA) in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Second-generation small RNA sequencing was performed on cancer and paracancerous tissues, metastatic and non-metastatic liver cancer tissues of patients with liver cancer, and the sequencing data were filtered out for the common RNA sequences to be repeated. The piRNA predictor was used to forecast the possible new piRNA merged with the downloaded known piRNA to screen out distinction. A miRanda algorithm was used to predict the corresponding target genes and functional enrichment analysis. piRNA was selected for experimental functional (migration) analysis. An independent t-test was used to compare means between the two groups. Results: 66 772 piRNAs (known 149) were obtained by sequencing. 241 piRNAs were found in cancer and paracancerous tissues, and 1 634 piRNAs were found in metastatic and non-metastatic tumors. Analysis of the GO and KEGG pathways of the target genes of differential piRNAs revealed that they were mainly involved in cell adhesion. An experimental functional analysis was performed on the selected Pirna (PIR1/97), which showed that it promoted the migration of hepatoma cells (LM3: t = 8.829, P < 0.05; PLC: t = 7.318, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The expression levels of piRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with cancer and paracancerous tissues, metastasis and non-metastatic liver cancer tissues are different and it could be entailed in the metastasis process of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hence, experimental functional analysis is required for research and experimental confirmation.

Validation of EORTC QLQ-OES18 for Chinese patients with esophageal cancer

The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability, validity, and acceptability of the Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-OES18 in patients with esophageal cancer. The questionnaire was translated according to the guideline of the EORTC. One hundred and forty-nine patients with esophageal cancer from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital completed the Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) and the simplified Chinese EORTC QLQ-C30/OES18 scales during July 2013 to January 2014. The results were statistically analyzed by Cronbach's α coefficient, Spearman correlation test with multiple strengthen analysis, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient) of all four scales (dysphagia, eating, reflux, and pain) was 0.689-0.822, which were satisfactory or near satisfactory. The absolute values of correlation of each scale between EORTC QLQ-OES18 and EORTC QLQ-C30 were 0.002-0.750 while there was no significant difference between groups divided by KPS scores. We confirmed the Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-OES18 appears to be a reliable, valid, and acceptable instrument for measuring the health-related quality of life of patients with esophageal cancer in mainland China.

[High expression of hnRNPAB/Kap1 together promote poor prognosis in HCC]

Objective: To further understand the interaction protein spectrum of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein AB (hnRNP AB), and to investigate their clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We carried out mass spectrometry to reveal the specific peptides of KRAB-associated protein 1 (Kap1) and hnRNPAB, and verified their interaction by immunocoprecipitation and western blotting. Expression of hnRNPAB/Kap1 proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining in the tissue microarrays. Categorical data were analyzed by the chi square test or Fisher exact test; enumeration data between groups were compared using Student t-test or Wilcocon signed rank test; the cumulative recurrence and survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences were assessed using the log-rank test. Results: We identified Kap1 as a molecular partner for hnRNPAB in HCCLM3 cells and HepG2 cells as well. We found that the 5-year survival rate of the Kap1high patients was significantly lower than the survival rate of those of the Kap1low group (36% vs 59% , HR = 1.67, P < 0.001). Similarly, Kap1high HCC patients had the poorest prognosis at 5-years, with higher cumulative recurrence rate than Kap1low patients (72% vs 54%, HR = 1.66, P = 0.001). Univariate and Multivariate analyses revealed that hnRNPAB /Kap1 alone (HR = 1.35 /1.28, P = 0.001) or in combination with Kap1 (HR =1.24 /1.27, P < 0.05) were independent prognostic indicators for overall survival and time to recurrence. Conclusion: In HCC cells, hnRNPAB and Kap1 form protein complexes. The expression levels of hnRNPAB alone or in combination with Kap1 in HCC patients are important because they provide not only a predictor for HCC prognosis but also a therapeutic target for future studies.

The effect of Qing Huan Ling on the hypoglutamatergic schizophrenia model in mice

Objective

To investigate the effect of Qing Huan Ling and (or) risperidone on activity and preferences behavior of the hypoglutamatergic schizophrenia model in mice.

Methods

Seventy kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, one group as placebo group. The rest groups intraperitoneal injection MK-801 continuously 14 day, then randomly numbered: model group, Qing Huan Ling group, risperidone groupand Qing Huan Ling combined risperidone group. Intragastric administration give corresponding drugs for each group one month, at the same time observe high activities and changes in the preferences of five groups.

Results

Compared with the blank group, activity of the rest model groups induced by MK-801 was increased (P < 0.05). After intragastric administration one month, model groups of high activity was decreased, especially risperidone combined Qing Huan Ling group. There was no statistical meaning in inquiry activity of five groups (P > 0.05). Compared with model group, latent period of step-through test was prolonged 35.5 s (P < 0.05), of step-down test was prolonged 11.4 s in risperidone combined Qing Huan Ling group.

Conclusion

The combination of Qing Huan Ling and risperidone can suppress the high activity; also can protect harmed memory of the preference behavior in the hypoglutamatergic schizophrenia model in mice.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Plasma Mitochondrial DNA Levels as a Biomarker of Lipodystrophy Among HIV-infected Patients Treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

Lipodystrophy is a common complication in HIV-infected patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. Its early diagnosis is crucial for timely modification of antiretroviral therapy. We hypothesize that mitochondrial DNA in plasma may be a potential marker of LD in HIV-infected individuals. In this study, we compared plasma mitochondrial DNA levels in HIV-infected individuals and non-HIV-infected individuals to investigate its potential diagnostic value. Total plasma DNA was extracted from 67 HIV-infected patients at baseline and 12, 24 and 30 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine the mitochondrial DNA levels in plasma. Lipodystrophy was defined by the physician-assessed presence of lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy in one or more body regions. The mitochondrial DNA levels in plasma were significantly higher at baseline in HIV-infected individuals than in non-HIV-infected individuals (p<0.05). At month 30, 33 out of 67 patients (49.2%) showed at least one sign of lipodystrophy. The mean plasma mitochondrial DNA levels in lipodystrophy patients were significantly higher compared to those without lipodystrophy at month 24 (p<0.001). The receiver operating curve analysis demonstrated that using plasma mitochondrial DNA level (with cut-off value <5.09 log10 copies/ml) as a molecular marker allowed identification of patients with lipodystrophy with a sensitivity of 64.2% and a specificity of 73.0%. Our data suggest that mitochondrial DNA levels may help to guide therapy selection with regards to HIV lipodystrophy risk.

[Current status on management and needs related to education and training programs set for new employees at the provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in China]

OBJECTIVE

In order to understand the current management status on education/training and needs for training among new employees working at the provincial CDC in China during 2012-2014, so as to provide basis for setting up related programs at the CDC levels.

METHODS

Based on data gathered through questionnaire surveys run by CDCs from 32 provincial and 5 specifically-designated cities, microsoft excel was used to analyze the current status on management of education and training, for new employees.

RESULTS

There were 156 management staff members working on education and training programs in 36 CDCs, with 70% of them having received intermediate or higher levels of education. Large differences were seen on equipment of training hardware in different regions. There were 1 214 teaching staff with 66 percent in the fields or related professional areas on public health, in 2014. 5084 new employees conducted pre/post training programs, from 2012 to 2014 with funding as 750 thousand RMB Yuan. 99.5% of the new employees expressed the needs for further training while. 74% of the new staff members expecting a 2-5 day training program to be implemented. 79% of the new staff members claimed that practice as the most appropriate method for training.

CONCLUSIONS

Institutional programs set for education and training at the CDCs need to be clarified, with management team organized. It is important to provide more financial support on both hardware, software and human resources related to training programs which are set for new stuff members at all levels of CDCs.

Effects of zoledronic acid on bone fusion in osteoporotic patients after lumbar fusion

Treatment with zoledronic acid in osteoporotic patients with spinal fusion shortens the duration of time to fusion, improves the fusion rate, prevents the subsequent adjacent vertebral compression fractures, improves the clinical outcomes, and prevents immobilization-induced bone loss in the hip.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of the study was to explore the effects of zoledronic acid on the healing process in osteoporotic patients following spinal fusion in a randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blinded study.

METHODS

Seventy-nine osteoporotic patients with single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to receive either zoledronic acid infusion (zoledronic acid group) or saline infusion (controls) after spinal fusion. Functional radiography and CT scans were used to evaluate fusion status. Bone formation was graded into three categories: Grade A (bridging bone bonding with adjacent vertebral bodies), Grade B (bridging bone bonding with either superior or inferior vertebral body), or Grade C (incomplete bony bridging). A solid fusion was defined as less than 5° of angular motion with Grade A or B bone formation. Adjacent vertebral compression fractures (VCF) were assessed on MRI at 12 months after surgery. Serum level of carboxy terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) was measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Grade A or B bridging bone was more frequently observed in zoledronic acid group at 3, 6, and 9 months post-operation compared to the control group (p < 0.05). At 12 -months post-operation, bridging bone and solid fusion were not significantly different between groups. No patients in zoledronic acid group showed aVCF, whereas six patients (17 %) in the control group did (p < 0.05). Both β-CTX and PINP were suppressed in zoledronic acid group. BMD at the femoral neck decreased rapidly and did not return to the preoperative level in the controls at 3 (-1.4 %), 6 (-2.5 %), and 12 (-0.8 %) months after surgery. Zoledronic acid prevented this immobilization-induced bone loss and increased BMD. ODI showed the improved clinical outcomes compared with controls at 9 and 12 months post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with zoledronic acid in osteoporotic patients with spinal fusion shortens the time to fusion, improves the fusion rate, prevents subsequent aVCFs, and improves clinical outcomes.

The effect of Qing Huan Ling combined risperidone on the open field behavior of schizophrenic mice model

Objective

To observe the effect of Qing Huan Ling and (or) risperidone on locomotor activity and explorative behavior of schizophrenia mice model by open field test.

Methods

Seventy kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, one group as blank group. The rest groups ip MK-801 continuously 14 day, then randomly numbered: model group, risperidone group, Qing Huan Ling group and risperidone combined Qing Huan Ling group. Ig give corresponding drugs for each group 4 weeks, observe the change of locomotor activity and explorative behavior by open field test.

Results

After Ig 4 weeks, compared with the blank group, there were no obvious difference in locomotor activity and explorative behavior between risperidone group, Qing Huan Ling group and the combined group. Compared with the model group, risperidone had statistics meaning in the repression of explorative behavior (P < 0.05),the combined group has statistics meaning in the repression of locomotor activity and explorative behavior (78.92 ± 36.18 m vs. 186.92 ± 41.08 m, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Qing Huan Ling regulate the central nervous system of schizophrenia mice model; when combined with risperidone, it restrain the central nervous system of schizophrenia mice model and the effect is stronger than risperidone alone.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.