Beam-Target Helicity Asymmetry for γ[over →]n[over →]→π^{-}p in the N^{*} Resonance Region

We report the first beam-target double-polarization asymmetries in the γ+n(p)→π^{-}+p(p) reaction spanning the nucleon resonance region from invariant mass W=1500 to 2300 MeV. Circularly polarized photons and longitudinally polarized deuterons in solid hydrogen deuteride (HD) have been used with the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab. The exclusive final state has been extracted using three very different analyses that show excellent agreement, and these have been used to deduce the E polarization observable for an effective neutron target. These results have been incorporated into new partial wave analyses and have led to significant revisions for several γnN^{*} resonance photocouplings.

Population-based study to re-evaluate optimal lymph node yield in colonic cancer

BACKGROUND

It is well established that lymph node (LN) yield in colonic cancer resection has prognostic significance, although optimal numbers are not clear. Here, LN thresholds associated with both LN positivity and survival were evaluated in a single population-based data set.

METHODS

Treatment records were linked to the Ontario Cancer Registry to identify a 25 per cent random sample of all patients with stage II/III colonic cancer between 2002 and 2008. Multivariable regression and Cox models evaluated factors associated with LN positivity and cancer-specific survival (CSS) respectively. Optimal thresholds were obtained using sequential regression analysis.

RESULTS

On adjusted analysis of 5508 eligible patients, younger age (P < 0·001), left-sided tumours (P = 0·003), higher T category (P < 0·001) and greater LN yield (relative risk 0·89, 95 per cent c.i. 0·81 to 0·97; P = 0·007) were associated with a greater likelihood of LN positivity. Regression analyses with multiple thresholds suggested no substantial increase in LN positivity beyond 12-14 LNs. Cox analysis of stage II disease showed that lower LN yield was associated with a significant increase in the risk of death from cancer (CSS hazard ratio range 1·55-1·74; P < 0·001) compared with a greater LN yield, with no significant survival benefit beyond a yield of 20 LNs. Similarly, for stage III disease, a lower LN yield was associated with an increase in the risk of death from cancer (CSS hazard ratio range 1·49-2·20; P < 0·001) versus a large LN yield. In stage III disease, there was no observed LN threshold for survival benefit in the data set.

CONCLUSION

There is incongruity in the optimal LN evaluation for colonic cancer. Although the historically stated threshold of 12 LNs may ensure accurate staging in colonic cancer, thresholds for optimal survival are associated with far greater yields.

Association between the time to surgery and survival among patients with colon cancer: A population-based study

Factors associated with time-to-surgery (TTS) and survival in colon cancer has not been well studied. Cancer Care Ontario recommends surgery within 42 days of diagnosis and that 90% of patients meet this benchmark. We describe factors associated with TTS and survival in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

Retrospective population-based cohort study of patients receiving elective colonic resection after diagnosis of colon cancer in Ontario, Canada from 2002 to 2008 followed until 2012. Factors associated with TTS were identified using multivariate log-binomial and Quantile regression at 42 days and 90th percentiles. The association between TTS and cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were examined using multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

4326 patients; median age 71 years and 52% male. Median TTS was 24 days (IQR 14-37); at the 90th percentile 56 days. Factors associated with TTS ≥ 42 days and >90th percentile included older age, co-morbid illness, surgeon volume, and stage I disease (P < 0.05 for all). In patients whose TTS was either at 42 days or 90th percentile, those ≥80 years old waited two weeks longer than those <60 years, individuals with co-morbid illness waited 10 days longer than without co-morbidity, and patients with stage I disease waited 10 days longer than those with stage IV disease (P < 0.05 for all). Delay in TTS > 42 days or >90th percentile was not associated with OS or CSS.

CONCLUSION

Age, co-morbidity, and stage of cancer are associated with TTS. There was no association between TTS and CSS or OS.

Analysis of mechanism of PM2.5 and house dust mite antigen Der p1 in attack stage of child asthma

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the influence of PM2.5 and house dust mite antigen Der p1 on the treatment of child asthma attack.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 96 children with asthma attack were included into the study. The patients were randomly divided into the PM2.5 group, the house dust mite antigen group, the synergistic group and the control group (n= 24 in each group).

RESULTS

The PM2.5 concentration in the PM2.5 group was twice higher than standard level (≤ the average value of PM2.5 in local air). All cases were given with same treatment, and the treatment effects were compared and analyzed. It was found that the asthma control rate in the control group was significantly higher than that in the PM2.5 group and the house dust mite antigen group, and the synergistic group was the lowest. The control time in the synergistic group was significantly longest, followed by the PM2.5 group and the house dust mite antigen group, and the control group was significantly short (p<0.05). After the intervention, the FVC, FEV1, and PEF levels were all increased. Those in control group were significantly higher than those of PM2.5 group and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group. Indicators in the collaborative group were the lowest. Differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The differences in the PM2.5 group and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group were not statistically significant. The contents of serum IL-25, TSLP, and malondialdehyde after treatment of the control group significantly lowered while the other three groups showed a significant higher (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The PM2.5 and house dust mite antigen Der p1 can influence the treating effects of child asthma attack by an inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress.

Lasso plate - An original implant for fixation of type I and II Regan-Morrey coronoid fractures

INTRODUCTION

Coronoid fractures are notoriously difficult to manage particularly when there is a small fragment. We report a retrospective analysis of our experience with consecutive type I and II Regan-Morrey coronoid fractures using a lasso plate.

HYPOTHESIS

Type I and II Regan-Morrey coronoid fractures can be effectively managed using a lasso plate.

METHODS

From October 2011 and December 2013, 25 patients (21 males and 4 females, mean age 40.0 years) with type I and II Regan-Morrey coronoid fractures were treated with the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using the lasso plate. Postoperative measurements of the elbow range of motion were recorded. Elbow function was evaluated by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.

RESULTS

All patients were reexamined at a mean follow-up of 32.7 months (range: 24-49 months). The mean fractures healing time was 13.6 weeks (range: 6 to 18 weeks). The mean flexion range of the elbow was 121.8° (range: 90° to 135°) and the mean extension range of the elbow was 10.6° (range: 0° to 20°). The mean pronation of the forearm was 75.8° (range: 65° to 85°). The mean supination of the forearm was 80.4° (range: 70° to 90°). The mean DASH score was 10.2 (range: 0 to 28). The mean MEPS was 83.4 (range: 55 to 95), 8 patients (32%) were rated excellent, 14 patients (56%) were rated good, 2 (8%) patients were rated fair. One (4%) patient was rated poor. No patient was seriously infected but implant breakage was found in one case. Two cases of elbow heterotopic ossification (HO) were observed. Two cases of elbow medial instability were observed.

DISCUSSION

The type I and II Regan-Morrey coronoid fractures combined with the instability of the elbow should be operated. The lasso plate reduces the pressure between the wire and the insertion of capsule. A tight wire results in greater stability than ordinary suture fixation, thus enabling early functional exercise.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of type I and II Regan-Morrey coronoid fractures, lasso plate can provide concentric fracture reduction of the elbow and stable fixation to allow for early rehabilitation. Good clinical outcomes can be anticipated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV: retrospective study.

Analysis of Stable Isotope Assisted Metabolomics Data Acquired by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Stable isotope assisted metabolomics (SIAM) uses stable isotope tracers to support studies of biochemical mechanisms. We report a suite of data analysis algorithms for automatic analysis of SIAM data acquired on a high resolution mass spectrometer. To increase the accuracy of isotopologue assignment, metabolites detected in the unlabeled samples were used as reference metabolites to generate possible isotopologue candidates for analysis of peaks detected in the labeled samples. An iterative linear regression model was developed to deconvolute the overlapping isotopic peaks of isotopologues present in a full MS spectrum, where the threshold for the weight factor was determined by a simulation study assuming different levels of Gaussian white noise contamination. A normalization method enabling isotope ratio-based normalization was implemented to study the difference of isotopologue abundance distribution between sample groups. The developed method can analyze SIAM data acquired by direct infusion MS and LC-MS, and can handle metabolite tracers containing different tracer elements. Analysis of SIAM data acquired from mixtures of known compounds showed that the developed algorithms accurately identify metabolites and quantify stable isotope enrichment. Application of SIAM data acquired from a biological study further demonstrated the effectiveness and accuracy of the developed method for analysis of complex samples.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in AKT1 and the risk of prostate cancer in the Chinese Han population

AKT1, also known as v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1, is involved in the regulation of cell-survival and anti-apoptotic activities, which may affect the pathogenesis of various cancers. However, the association between genetic variants of AKT1 and the risk of developing prostate cancer has not been investigated before. This study investigated the associations between three polymorphisms (rs1130214, rs3730358, and rs2494732) in AKT1 and the risk of development of prostate cancer in the Chinese Han population. Sequenom MassARRAY & iPLEX technology were used to genotype these polymorphisms in 493 Chinese Han patients with prostate cancer and 309 age-matched healthy individuals. Compared to the CC genotype of the rs3730358 polymorphism, the CT genotype of the same polymorphism was strongly associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer (OR = 0.617, 95%CI = 0.390-0.976, P = 0.037). However, there was no significant difference between the allele frequency of the rs3730358 polymorphism and those of the other two polymorphisms (P > 0.05). Moreover, no significant difference was found in the haplotype analysis (P > 0.05). Our study found that the variant genotype CT of rs3730358 of AKT1 was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer, which suggested that this polymorphism could play an important role in the development of the disease.

Is there a sex effect in colon cancer? Disease characteristics, management, and outcomes in routine clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of colon cancer varies by sex. Whether women and men show differences in extent of disease, treatment, and outcomes is not well described. We used a large population-based cohort to evaluate sex differences in colon cancer.

METHODS

Using the Ontario Cancer Registry, all cases of colon cancer treated with surgery in Ontario during 2002-2008 were identified. Electronic records of treatment identified use of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Pathology reports for a random 25% sample of all cases were obtained, and disease characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in women and men were compared. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify factors associated with overall (os) and cancer-specific survival (css).

RESULTS

The study population included 7249 patients who underwent resection of colon cancer; 49% (n = 3556) were women. Stage of disease and histologic grade did not vary by sex. Compared with men, women were more likely to have right-sided disease (55% vs. 44%, p ≤ 0.001). Surgical procedure and lymph node yield did not differ by sex. Adjuvant chemotherapy was delivered to 18% of patients with stage ii and 64% of patients with stage iii disease; when adjusted for patient- and disease-related factors, use of adjuvant chemotherapy was similar for women and men [relative risk: 0.99; 95% confidence interval (ci): 0.94 to 1.03]. Adjusted analyses demonstrated that os [hazard ratio (hr): 0.80; 95% ci: 0.75 to 0.86] and css (hr: 0.82; 95% ci: 0.76 to 0.90) were superior for women compared with men.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival after colon cancer is significantly better for women than for men, which is not explained by any substantial differences in extent of disease or treatment delivered.

Lymph node evaluation for colon cancer in routine clinical practice: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend that 12 or more lymph nodes (lns) be evaluated during surgical resection of colon cancer. Here, we report ln yield and its association with survival in routine practice.

METHODS

Electronic records of treatment were linked to the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry to identify all patients with colon cancer treated during 2002-2008. The study population (n = 5508) included a 25% random sample of patients with stage ii or iii disease. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with ln yield; Cox models were used to explore the association between ln yield and overall (os) and cancer-specific survival (css).

RESULTS

During 2002-2008, median ln yield increased to 17 from 11 nodes (p < 0.001), and the proportion of patients with 12 or more nodes evaluated increased to 86% from 45% (p < 0.001). Lymph node positivity did not change over time (to 53% from 54%, p = 0.357). Greater ln yield was associated with younger age (p < 0.001), less comorbidity (p = 0.004), higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.001), right-sided tumours (p < 0.001), and higher hospital volume (p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, a ln yield of less than 12 nodes was associated with inferior os and css for stages ii and iii disease [stage ii os hazard ratio (hr): 1.36; 95% confidence interval (ci): 1.19 to 1.56; stage ii css hr: 1.52; 95% ci: 1.26 to 1.83; and stage iii os hr: 1.45; 95% ci: 1.30 to 1.61; stage iii css hr: 1.54; 95% ci: 1.36 to 1.75].

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a temporal increase in ln yield, the proportion of cases with ln positivity has not changed. Lymph node yield is associated with survival in patients with stages ii and iii colon cancer. The association between ln yield and survival is unlikely to be a result of stage migration.

Abstract P4-12-08: Use of an aptamer library based next generation omics platform for the development of a novel trastuzumab predictive assay

Introduction: Previous attempts to use individual aptamers as diagnostic reagents have failed to consistently achieve performance comparable to antibodies. Here we report a novel systems biology approach using poly-ligand aptamer libraries to identify responders and non-responders to traztuzumab-based regimens in metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: To overcome the fundamental limitation of the individual aptamer binding affinities, large libraries (106 species) were created so that potentially thousands of aptamers could bind to each of a multitude of targets related to the whole cellular changes in response to trastuzumab therapy. A set of breast cancer patients, which received trastuzumab mono- or combined therapy for at least 7 months were classified as “Responders” (R); cases with particular regimen discontinued in the period not exceeding 5 months were classified as “Non-Responders”(NR). A library of 2x1012 unique 90-mer ssDNA oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODN) was trained on FFPE tissue of both R and NR patients. Partitioning of aptamer libraries was done by microdissection of the tumor tissue, after incubation of aptamer library with the entire tissue section, to drive selection pressure toward cancer cells. A total of 10 cases of R and NR, 6 Her2+ cases each, were used to train separate aptamer libraries, with 1 positive and 2 counter selection cases per enrichment. Enriched libraries were screened on 20 R and 20 NR cases (11 Her2+ cases each) by adopting modified immunohistochemistry protocol. Each library was used as an independent reagent (similar to an antibody in IHC) across all 40 cases to evaluate the efficacy of the aptamer library to distinguish differences between the R and NR groups. Staining (DAB chromogen) profiles were scored from 0 to 3+ (nuclear and cytoplasmic staining) by a pathologist without any knowledge of the clinical outcomes. Initial validation was done by t-test using raw histological scores. Four libraries showed significant p-values between groups of responders and non-responders, a classification algorithm was constructed and evaluated using area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC). The datasets of two best-performing libraries were combined into one model using logistic regression to further improved the classifier performance.

Results: Of seventeen trained libraries, eight were evaluated and four showed significant correlation to clinical benefit with a minimum accuracy of 75% for each library when evaluated independently. Furthermore, two libraries showed exceptional performance (ROC curve AUC of 0.86 and 0.77). Combination of the profiling data from these two libraries using logistic regression resulted in an AUC of 0.985. A prospective validation of aptamer histochemical theranostic testing has been initiated.

Summary: Enriched aptamer libraries appear to distinguish trastuzumab responsiveness in metastatic breast cancer. This technology could be used as an additional technique beyond FISH testing to determine sensitivity to anti-HER2 agents. The demonstrated platform is applicable to virtually any disease where the safe and effective use of corresponding drug is yet to be improved.

Citation Format: Spetzler D, Domenyuk V, Santhanam R, Wei X, Stark A, Wang J, Gatalica Z, Miglarese M, Vidal G, Schwartzberg LS. Use of an aptamer library based next generation omics platform for the development of a novel trastuzumab predictive assay [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-12-08.

Novel stent in the palliation of malignant esophageal strictures: a retrospective study

The placement of metal stents is often used as a palliative treatment for malignant esophageal stenosis. We designed a novel stent that has been used clinically since 2011, and we therefore performed a retrospective study to compare the therapeutic effects of this novel metal stent to a conventional partially covered metal stent in patients with malignant esophageal strictures. The records of 201 consecutive patients who underwent placement of either the conventional partially covered metal stents (Group A, n = 92) or the new metal stents (Group B, n = 109) in the Endoscopy Center of General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command from October 2008 to March 2013 were reviewed. The median dysphagia score significantly improved in both groups 1 week following stent placement (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in success rate (P = 0.910) or the complication rate (P = 0.426) between groups. Six months after stent placement, recurrent dysphagia due to stent migration, tissue ingrowth or overgrowth or food obstruction occurred in 45% and 29% of patients in the conventional stent and new stent groups, respectively. The results of this retrospective study indicate that the new modified self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) is at least as safe and effective as the conventional partially covered SEMS in treatment of malignant esophageal strictures.

Palladium-catalyzed cascade metallo-ene/Suzuki coupling reaction of allenamides

A new type of cascade metallo-ene/Suzuki coupling reaction of allenamides catalyzed by palladium is described.

Regional lymph node involvement in patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases

BACKGROUND

While the indications for surgery among patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) are expanding, the role of surgery in patients with hepatic lymph node involvement remains controversial. We report management and outcomes in a population-based cohort of patients undergoing hepatectomy with concomitant hepatic lymphadenectomy for CRCLM.

METHODS

All cases of hepatectomy for CRCLM in the Canadian Province of Ontario from 2002 to 2009 were identified using the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry and linked electronic records of treatment. Pathology reports were used to identify concomitant lymphadenectomy with liver resection as well as extent of disease and surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Among 1310 patients who underwent resection for CRCLM, 103 (8%) underwent simultaneous regional lymphadenectomy. Seventy-one percent of cases with lymphadenectomy (70/103) had a major liver resection (≥3 segments). Of the 103 lymphadenectomy cases, 80 (78%) were hepatic pedicle, 16 (16%) were celiac and 7 (7%) were para-aortic. The mean number of nodes removed was 2.2 (range 1-15). Ninety-day mortality was 6%. Twenty-nine percent (30/103) of cases had positive nodes. Unadjusted overall survival at 5 years for positive vs negative nodes was 21% vs 42% (p = 0.003); cancer-specific survival was 10% vs 43% (p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, hepatic node involvement was associated with inferior OS (HR 2.19, p = 0.010) and CSS (HR 3.07, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with resected CRC liver metastases with regional lymph node involvement have inferior survival compared to patients with negative nodes. Despite this poor prognostic factor, a small proportion of cases with involved nodes will achieve long-term survival.

Efficacy and safety of basiliximab in liver transplantation for patients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases: a single centre study

AIMS

We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of basiliximab in liver transplantation (LT) for patients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases.

METHODS

A total of 268 patients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases undergoing LT were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the usage of basiliximab. Total survival, the survival of high-risk patients defined by the posttransplant model for predicting mortality, acute rejection rate, biochemical parameters and other follow-up data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Group Bas was composed of 131 patients who received basiliximab, and Group Triple enrolled the other 137 patients who did not. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in the cumulative survival of patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or in the cumulative survival of patients with HCC. For patients with benign end-stage liver diseases, Group Bas had more patients with a high risk of short- and medium-term mortality than Group Triple (22.81% vs. 8.85%, p = 0.017), but the survival curves of the two groups were not significantly different. The 1-year incidence of acute rejection was lower in Group Bas, although the difference was not significant (8.75% vs. 15.33%, p > 0.05). In both Group Bas and Group Triple, the level of serum creatinine (Scr) at 1 week posttransplantation was significantly lower than pretransplantation (61.00 vs. 88.50 μmol/l, p < 0.001; 61.50 vs. 74.00 μmol/l, p < 0.001; respectively). There was a significant difference in the pretransplantation Scr between the two groups (88.50 vs. 74.00 μmol/l, p = 0.005), but the values of Scr decreased to the same level 1 week (61.00 vs. 61.50 μmol/l, p > 0.05) and 4 weeks (61.00 vs. 59.00 μmol/l, p > 0.05) after transplantation. Significantly fewer recipients in Group Bas experienced hepatitis B relapse than in Group Triple (2/131 vs. 13/137, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

A basiliximab-induced immunosuppressive protocol is a safe regimen that achieves similar survival without increasing the acute rejection rate for LT recipients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases. For patients with benign end-stage liver diseases, this regimen reduces medium-term mortality in high-risk patients. This regimen remarkably improves renal function in the first month after LT and is correlated with a decreased hepatitis B recurrence rate in adult patients after LT.

[Clinical effect and airway changes of adjustable oral appliance in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the effect of adjustable oral appliance on airway changes and clinical effect in obstructive sleepApnea hypopnea syndrome,and to observe the effect of jaw joints.Method:Forty adult cases diagnosed as OSAHS by polysomnography(PSG), were treated with adjustable oral appliance.After six months,the sleep apnea hypoventilation index(AHI)and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO₂) by PSG were evaluated. And three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) reconstruction was used to analyze the morphological changes of the upper airway,and the gap of jaw joint preliminarily.Result:After such treatment, LSaO₂ level of all cases increased, and AHI reduced(P< 0.01).The total volume and area of the upper airway increased significantly(P< 0.01), There was no obvious anomalies found in jaw joints.Conclusion:The adjustable oral appliance applied to in adult OSAHS can increase the shape and size of the airway,improve the airway ventilation effectively, and have no affection to the jaw joints in initial observation.

[Clinic characters analysis of 52 cases with sinus fungus ball disease]

Objective:To explore the clinic characters and the associated factors for the onset of the sinus fungus ball disease. Method:Analyze 52 cases who have received surgery with sinus fungus ball disease retrospectively. The effect factors of age, sex, occupation, the side of the lesion, involving sinus group number, accompany with merger polyps or not, presence of nasal septum deviation, vesicular middle turbinate, paradoxical middle turbinate, infraorbital cells，routine blood leukocyte classification, serum specific IgE, pathogenic fungi species have all been taken into consideration for statistical analysis. Result:In 52 cases of sinus fungus ball disease, 36 cases only suffered in maxillary sinus, 1 case only suffered in ethmoid sinus, 4 cases only suffered in sphenoid sinus, 7 cases suffered from two sinus lesions with the combination of maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus in all, 4 cases fuffered from three sinus lesions with the combination of maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus and sphenoid sinus in 2 cases, maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus and frontal sinus in 2 cases. 26 cases have the lesion on left side,17 cases on the right side, 8 cases on both sides. Aspergillus is the main pathogenic fungus for sinus fungus ball. Maxillary sinus is the most susceptible single sinus for sinus fungus ball. Nasal polyps is commonly seen in multiple sinuses fungus ball(P<0.01). Single sphenoid sinus fungus ball is more commonly seen in the patients with diabetes mellitus(P<0.01). Lesion side of sinus fungus ball has nothing to do with the nasal anatomy abnormalities of nasal septum deviation, vesicular middle turbinate, paradoxical middle turbinate, infraorbital cells. Conclusion:The present study indicates that maxillary sinus fungus ball is the most common type for sinus fungus ball. Aspergillus is the main pathogenic fungus for sinus fungus ball. Nasal polyps is more involved in multiple sinuses fungus ball,Single sphenoid sinus fungus ball is more commonly seen in the patients with diabetes mellitus. Lesion side of sinus fungus ball has none relationship with common nasal anatomy abnormalities.

Chemotherapy delivery for resected colorectal cancer liver metastases: Management and outcomes in routine clinical practice

BACKGROUND

International guidelines recommend peri-operative chemotherapy for patients with resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). Chemotherapy delivery in routine practice is not well described.

METHODS

All cases of CRC who underwent resection of LM in 2002-2009 were identified using the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry. Electronic treatment records identified chemotherapy delivered within 16 weeks before or after hepatectomy. All pathology reports were reviewed to describe extent of LM. Modified Poisson regression was used to evaluate factors associated with chemotherapy delivery. Cox proportional hazards model and propensity score analysis were used to explore the association between post-operative chemotherapy and cancer-specific (CSS) and overall (OS) survival.

RESULTS

We identified 1310 patients. Sixty-two percent of cases (815/1310) received peri-operative chemotherapy; 25% (200/815) pre-operative, 45% (366/815) post-operative, and 31% (249/815) pre- and post-operative. Utilization of chemotherapy increased over time from 51% in 2002 (57/112) to 73% in 2009 (157/216, p < 0.001). Fifty-four percent of patients received FOLFOX, 41% FOLFIRI, and 10% 5-FU monotherapy. Factors that were independently associated with greater utilization of post-operative chemotherapy included younger age (p < 0.001), female sex (p = 0.050), shorter disease-free interval (p = 0.006), and no prior adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Utilization of chemotherapy varied substantially across geographic regions (from 24% to 71%, p = 0.001). Post-operative chemotherapy was associated with improved CSS (HR 0.58, 95%CI 0.44-0.76) and OS (HR 0.49, 95%CI 0.38-0.61); results were consistent in propensity score analysis.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of chemotherapy for resected CRCLM in routine practice has evolved with emerging evidence. Post-operative chemotherapy is associated with improved survival in the general population.

Roles of ERα and ERβ in estrogen-induced DDP chemoresistance in non-small cell lung cancer

The role of estrogen in inducing chemoresistance is not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to observe the relationship between estrogen levels and cellular response to chemotherapeutic drugs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to reveal the potential mechanisms involved. Cell viability was analyzed after pre-treating NSCLC cells with different levels of estrogen (E2), followed by treatment with an anti-tumor drug for 48 h. The roles of various estrogen receptors (ERs) were examined in vitro by blocking the activity of each ER individually. The ER pathway was further confirmed in NSCLC tissues. It was found that 10-1000 nM E2 resulted in a decreased cellular response to DDP in H1650 cells compared to the use of cisplatin alone (P < 0.05). However, this result was not demonstrated in H1299 cells, which lack p53. Both ERa and ERb were associated with E2-induced cisplatin chemoresistance, though they had opposite functions. p53 expression did not correlate with the expression of ERa or ERb individually. However, a statistically significant correlation between p53 expression and ERa to ERb mRNA ratio was observed (P < 0.001, R = -0.676). These findings suggest that E2-induced DDP chemoresistance depends on the balance between ERa and ERb expression and the p53 pathway.

Association of C1q Binding Status With De Novo HLA Antibody Clinical Features and Allograft Function in Kidney Transplantation Patients During Eight Years of Dynamic Follow-up

BACKGROUND

C1q-binding donor-specific antibody (DSA) is detrimental to transplanted kidney function. However, the factors that affect C1q binding status are unclear.

METHODS

A total of 519 samples from 129 consecutive kidney transplantation patients during 8 years of dynamic follow-up were collected for HLA antibody (Ab) screening and C1q detection.

RESULTS

Among the detected HLA Abs, the majority were class II, and the DQ subtypes composed the highest proportion. The C1q-binding Abs were all HLA-II, and the DQ subtypes had the highest rate of C1q positivity. With a cutoff mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) value of 7349, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting C1q-binding Abs from all HLA-II Abs were 84.48% and 83.56%, respectively. Additionally, C1q is more likely to be bound by DSA than non-donor-specific antibody (NDSA). Compared with free DSA/NDSA, the MFI values of C1q-binding DSA/NDSA are more closely correlated with serum creatinine levels and reflect the effect of anti-antibody-mediated rejection treatment more sensitively.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA-II Abs (particularly DQ subtypes), high titers of Abs, and DSA are important relevant factors of C1q positivity. The MFI value of C1q-binding DSA may be a useful clinical indicator of HLA antibody-mediated graft injury before the appearance of histologically typical humoral rejection.

The developmental transcriptome landscape of bovine skeletal muscle defined by Ribo-Zero ribonucleic acid sequencing

Ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) libraries are normally prepared with oligo(dT) selection of poly(A)+ mRNA, but it depends on intact total RNA samples. Recent studies have described Ribo-Zero technology, a novel method that can capture both poly(A)+ and poly(A)- transcripts from intact or fragmented RNA samples. We report here the first application of Ribo-Zero RNA-Seq for the analysis of the bovine embryonic, neonatal, and adult skeletal muscle whole transcriptome at an unprecedented depth. Overall, 19,893 genes were found to be expressed, with a high correlation of expression levels between the calf and the adult. Hundreds of genes were found to be highly expressed in the embryo and decreased at least 10-fold after birth, indicating their potential roles in embryonic muscle development. In addition, we present for the first time the analysis of global transcript isoform discovery in bovine skeletal muscle and identified 36,694 transcript isoforms. Transcriptomic data were also analyzed to unravel sequence variations; 185,036 putative SNP and 12,428 putative short insertions-deletions (InDel) were detected. Specifically, many stop-gain, stop-loss, and frameshift mutations were identified that probably change the relative protein production and sequentially affect the gene function. Notably, the numbers of stage-specific transcripts, alternative splicing events, SNP, and InDel were greater in the embryo than in the calf and the adult, suggesting that gene expression is most active in the embryo. The resulting view of the transcriptome at a single-base resolution greatly enhances the comprehensive transcript catalog and uncovers the global trends in gene expression during bovine skeletal muscle development.

Inhibitory effect of microRNA-27b on interleukin 17 (IL-17)-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) expression

We investigated the effect of microRNA-27b (miR-27b), a gene expression regulatory factor, on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) stimulated by interleukin 17 (IL-17). After IL-17 had been added to H9C2 cardiomyocytes, an miR-27b mimic was transfected into the H9C2 cells. The mRNA expression levels of miR-27b and MCP1 in the H9C2 cells were detected by SYBR green I fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression levels of MCP1 protein in the H9C2 cells. The expression of MCP1 mRNA in the H9C2 cells began to increase 2 h after IL-17 stimulation, reached a peak at 4 h, and then decreased. The MCP1 protein level increased gradually in the 24 h following IL-17 stimulation. After transfection with the miR-27b mimic, the expression of miR-27b in the H9C2 cells significantly increased than that in the miRNA negative control group (P < 0.01). The MCP1 mRNA and protein levels in the miR-27b mimic + IL-17 group were significantly reduced than that in the miRNA negative control + IL-17 group (P < 0.01). miR-27b inhibited IL-17-induced MCP1 expression in the H9C2 cells, which demonstrates that treatment with microRNA could alleviate myocardial injury in viral myocarditis.

[Expression of cadherin17 in metanephric adenoma and its value in differential diagnosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of cadherin17(CDH17) in metanephric adenoma (MA), and to explore the value of CDH17 in the diagnosis of metanephric adenoma.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical EnVision method was used to detect the expression of CDH17, WT1, CD57, P504S and EMA in 21 cases of MAs, 16 epithelial-predominant Wilms tumors (e-WT), and 20 solid variant of papillary renal cell carcinomas (s-PRCC). The expression of CDH17 was also examined in other common renal epithelial tumors, including 10 cases of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (CCRCC), 10 chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (CHRCC), and 10 oncocytomas.

RESULTS

Twenty (95.2%) of 21 cases of MAs demonstrated membranous CDH17 immunoreactivity in all components (acinar, tubular, and papillary), whereas only 1 (1/16) e-WT was positive for CDH17 and all s-PRCCs were negative (P<0.05). WT1 was negative in s-PRCC and was positive in all cases of e-WT (16/16) and MA (100%, 21/21). All MAs (100%) were strongly positive for CD57; however, this marker was also positive in 13 (13/16) e-WTs and 9 (45.0%, 9/20) s-PRCCs. P504S was strongly positive in all s-PRCCs (100%), but reactivity was seen in 3 (14.3%, 3/21) MAs and all e-WTs were negative. The positive rates of EMA in MAs, e-WTs and s-PRCCs were 19.0%(4/21), 14/16 and 17/20, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CDH17 in the diagnosis of MA were 95% and 97%. CDH17 was negative in all cases of CCRCC, CHRCC and oncocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS

CDH17 is a highly sensitive and specific marker for MA and should be considered in the immunohistochemistry panel for distinguishing MA from its mimics and other common renal epithelial tumors.

Developmental Regulation of the Growth Plate and Cranial Synchondrosis

Long bones and the cranial base are both formed through endochondral ossification. Elongation of long bones is primarily through the growth plate, which is a cartilaginous structure at the end of long bones made up of chondrocytes. Growth plate chondrocytes are organized in columns along the longitudinal axis of bone growth. The cranial base is the growth center of the neurocranium. Synchondroses, consisting of mirror-image growth plates, are critical for cranial base elongation and development. Over the last decade, considerable progress has been made in determining the roles of the parathyroid hormone-related protein, Indian hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signaling pathways in various aspects of skeletal development. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates the important role of the primary cilia signaling pathway in bone elongation. Here, we review the development of the growth plate and cranial synchondrosis and the regulation by the above-mentioned signaling pathways, highlighting the similarities and differences between these 2 structures.