[Safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy: A prospective, multi-center, single arm trial]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, single-arm study was initiated by the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University in June 2021 (CRAFT Study, NCT05282563). Participating institutions included Nanyang Central Hospital, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Luoyang Central Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Luohe Central Hospital, the People's Hospital of Hebi, First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Anyang Tumor Hospital, First People's Hospital of Pingdingshan, and Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) gastric adenocarcinoma confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy;(2) preoperative imaging assessment indicated that R0 resection was feasible; (3) preoperative assessment showed no contraindications to surgery;(4) esophagojejunostomy planned during the procedure; (5) patients volunteered to participate in this study and gave their written informed consent; (6) ECOG score 0-1; and (7) ASA score I-III. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) history of upper abdominal surgery (except laparoscopic cholecystectomy);(2) history of gastric surgery (except endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection); (3) pregnancy or lactation;(4) emergency surgery for gastric cancer-related complications (perforation, hemorrhage, obstruction); (5) other malignant tumors within 5 years or coexisting malignant tumors;(6) arterial embolism within 6 months, such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident; and (7) comorbidities or mental health abnormalities that could affect patients' participation in the study. Patients were eliminated from the study if: (1) radical gastrectomy could not be completed; (2) end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis was not performed during the procedure; or (3) esophagojejunal anastomosis reinforcement was not possible. Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed as follows: (1) Open surgery: the full thickness of the anastomosis is continuously sutured, followed by embedding the seromuscular layer with barbed or 3-0 absorbable sutures. The anastomosis is sutured with an average of six to eight stitches. (2) Laparoscopic surgery: the anastomosis is strengthened by counterclockwise full-layer sutures. Once the anastomosis has been sutured to the right posterior aspect of the anastomosis, the jejunum stump is pulled to the right and the anastomosis turned over to continue to complete reinforcement of the posterior wall. The suture interval is approximately 5 mm. After completing the full-thickness suture, the anastomosis is embedded in the seromuscular layer. Relevant data of patients who had undergone radical gastrectomy in the above 12 centers from June 2021 were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was safety (e.g., postoperative complications, and treatment). Other studied variables included details of surgery (e.g., surgery time, intraoperative bleeding), postoperative recovery (postoperative time to passing flatus and oral intake, length of hospital stay), and follow-up conditions (quality of life as assessed by Visick scores). Result: [1] From June 2021 to September 2022,457 patients were enrolled, including 355 men and 102 women of median age 60.8±10.1 years and BMI 23.7±3.2 kg/m2. The tumors were located in the upper stomach in 294 patients, mid stomach in 139; and lower stomach in 24. The surgical procedures comprised 48 proximal gastrectomies and 409 total gastrectomies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 85 patients. Other organs were resected in 85 patients. The maximum tumor diameter was 4.3±2.2 cm, number of excised lymph nodes 28.3±15.2, and number of positive lymph nodes five (range one to four. As to pathological stage,83 patients had Stage I disease, 128 Stage II, 237 Stage III, and nine Stage IV. [2] The studied surgery-related variables were as follows: The operation was successfully completed in all patients, 352 via a transabdominal approach, 25 via a transhiatus approach, and 80 via a transthoracoabdominal approach. The whole procedure was performed laparoscopically in 53 patients (11.6%), 189 (41.4%) underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery, and 215 (47.0%) underwent open surgery. The median intraoperative blood loss was 200 (range, 10-1 350) mL, and the operating time 215.6±66.7 minutes. The anastomotic reinforcement time was 2 (7.3±3.9) minutes for laparoscopic-assisted surgery, 17.6±1.7 minutes for total laparoscopy, and 6.0±1.2 minutes for open surgery. [3] The studied postoperative variables were as follows: The median time to postoperative passage of flatus was 3.1±1.1 days and the postoperative gastrointestinal angiography time 6 (range, 4-13) days. The median time to postoperative oral intake was 7 (range, 2-14) days, and the postoperative hospitalization time 15.8±6.7 days. [4] The safety-related variables were as follows: In total, there were 184 (40.3%) postoperative complications. These comprised esophagojejunal anastomosis complications in 10 patients (2.2%), four (0.9%) being anastomotic leakage (including two cases of subclinical leakage and two of clinical leakage; all resolved with conservative treatment); and six patients (1.3%) with anastomotic stenosis (two who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation 21 and 46 days after surgery, the others improved after a change in diet). There was no anastomotic bleeding. Non-anastomotic complications occurred in 174 patients (38.1%). All patients attended for follow-up at least once, the median follow-up time being 10 (3-18) months. Visick grades were as follows: Class I, 89.1% (407/457); Class II, 7.9% (36/457); Class III, 2.6% (12/457); and Class IV 0.4% (2/457). Conclusion: Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

[Correlation between pulmonary quantitative CT measurement indicators and respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in stable stage]

Objective: To explore the correlation between pulmonary quantitative CT measurement indicators and respiratory symptoms in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A total of 186 patients with COPD in stable stage who visited in the outpatient department of Beijing Hospital from March 2021 to February 2022 were prospectively included. Demographic data, respiratory symptoms and lung function were collected. The original DICOM data of high-resolution CT (HRCT) were processed using the FACT medical imaging information system and the pulmonary emphysema index pixel index-950 (PI-950) and the airway wall thickness (4-6 T) and the percentage of airway area (4-6 WA%) of the 4-6 generation bronchi which represent the segmental and subsegmental bronchi were measured automatically. According to the modified British medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC, 0-1 point for low score group, 2-4 points for high score group), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT, score<10 points for low score group,≥10 points for high score group), cough, expectoration and wheezing (asymptomatic group and symptomatic group), they were divided into two groups as dependent variables. The relationship between imaging parameters and the above symptoms was evaluated using a logistic regression model. Results: The study ultimately included 186 patients who met the inclusion criteria, including 162 males and 24 females, aged (68.9±9.3) years old. There were 83 patients in the high mMRC group, 120 patients in the high CAT group, 146 patients in the cough group, 154 patients in the expectoration group, and 65 patients in the wheezing group. The age and emphysema parameter PI-950 in the high score group of mMRC were higher than those in the low score group, while the percentage of the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) predicted value (FEV1 pred) after medication, the percentage of carbon monoxide diffusion volume (DLCO) predicted value (DLCO pred), and the percentage of the maximum midexpiratory flow (MMEF) predicted value (MMEF pred) after medication were lower than those in the low score group (all P<0.05). The age of the high CAT group was higher than that of the low score group, while FEV1 pred and MMEF pred after medication were lower than those of the low score group (all P<0.05). The proportion of males, patients with smoking history, and smoking index in the cough group were higher than those in the non cough group, while the 4 WA% was lower than that in the non cough group (all P<0.05). The proportion of males, patients with smoking history, smoking index, and PI-950 in the expectoration group were higher than those in the non expectoration group, while FEV1 pred after medication and 4 WA% were lower than those in the non expectoration group (all P<0.05). The 5 WA% and 6 WA% of the wheezing group were higher than those of the non wheezing group, while MMEF pred after medication was lower than that of the non wheezing group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for demographic characteristics, smoking, combined diseases, lung function and other confounding factors, for every 10% increase in PI-950, the likelihood of developing more severe dyspnea for the patients (high score group according to mMRC) increased by 67.3% (OR=1.673, 95%CI: 1.052-2.658); Every 10% increase in 6WA% increased the likelihood of wheezing by 3.189 times (OR=4.189, 95%CI: 1.070-16.395). No correlation was found between various imaging indicators and cough, expectoration, and CAT scores (P>0.05). Conclusion: Quantitative CT measurement indicators in stable COPD patients can explain the presence and severity of respiratory symptoms, the pulmonary emphysema indicator is associated with dyspnea, and the percentage of proximal airway wall area is associated with wheezing.

[Clinical characteristics and serious complications of esophageal button battery ingestion in the pediatric on 83 cases]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and complications of esophageal foreign bodies of button battery ingestion in children. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study included 83 children who were hospitalized in our hospital on account of button battery ingestion from January 2011 to December 2021. There were 50 males (60.2%) and 33 females (39.8%). The age ranged from 7.6 months to one month off 10 years, with a median age of 18 months. The data of patient demographics and time from ingestion to admission, location, symptoms, management, complications, and follow-up outcome were recorded. SPSS17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Seventy-two children (86.7%) were younger than 3 years old. The time from ingestion to admission ranged from 1 h to 2 months, with a median time of 8 h. Among the 63 children who were first diagnosed in our hospital, the most common clinical symptoms were nausea and vomiting (32 cases, 50.8%), dysphagia (31 cases, 49.2%), salivation (11 cases, 17.5%) and fever (10 cases, 15.9%). Seventy-three of 83 cases had complete preoperative diagnostic tests, and 55 cases (75.3%) were diagnosed by X-ray. In 56 cases (76.7%), the foreign badies were impacted in the upper third of esophagus. In 72 cases (86.7%), the foreign badies were removed by rigid esophagoscopy. 23 (27.7%) had serious complications, including tracheoesophageal fistula in 15 cases(TEF;65.2%), vocal cord paralysis (VCP;34.8%) in 8 cases, esophageal perforation in 3 cases (EP;13.0%), hemorrhage in 3 cases(13.0%), mediastinitis in 3 cases (13%), and periesophageal abscess in 1 case (4.3%). There were significant differences in the exposure time of foreign bodies and unwitnessed ingestion by guardians in the complications group (P<0.05). 2 cases died (2.4%)respectively due to arterial esophageal fistula bleeding and respiratory failure caused by stent displacement during the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula. Conclusion: Accidental button battery ingestion can be life-threatening. and it mostly happens in children under 3 years old. Serious complications may happen cause of non-specific clinical manifestations and unwitnessed ingestions. Anterior and lateral chest X-ray is the first examination choice. Tracheoesophageal fistula is the most common serious complication.

[Clinical analysis of inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy combined with laparoscopy]

Objective: To examine the safety and effectiveness of inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (IVMTE). Methods: Totally 269 patients admitted to the Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University who underwent IVMTE (IVMTE group, n=47) or thoracoscopy combined with minimally invasive Mckeown esophageal cancer resection (MIME group, n=222) from September 2017 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 31 males and 16 females in IVMTE group, aged (68.6±7.5) years (range: 54 to 87 years). There were 159 males and 63 females in MIME group, aged (66.8±8.8) years (range: 42 to 93 years). A 1∶1 match was performed on both groups by propensity score matching, with 38 cases in each group. The intraoperative conditions and postoperative complication rates of the two groups were compared by t test, Wilcoxon rank, χ² test, or Fisher exact probability method. Results: Patients in IVMTE group had less intraoperative bleeding ((96.0±39.2) ml vs. (123.8±49.3) ml, t=-2.627, P=0.011), shorter operation time ((239.1±47.3) minutes vs. (264.2±57.2) minutes, t=-2.086, P=0.040), and less drainage 3 days after surgery (85(89) ml vs. 675(573) ml, Z=-7.575, P<0.01) compared with that of MIME group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of drainage tube-belt time, postoperative hospital stay, and lymph node dissection stations and numbers (all P>0.05). The incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade 1 to 2 pulmonary infection (7.9%(3/38) vs. 31.6%(12/38), χ²=6.728, P=0.009), total complications (21.1%(8/38) vs. 47.4%(18/38), χ²=5.846, P=0.016) and total lung complications (13.2%(5/38) vs. 42.1%(16/38), χ²=7.962, P=0.005) in the IVMTE group were significantly lower. Conclusion: Inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy combined with laparoscopic esophagectomy is safe and feasible, which can reach the same range of oncology as thoracoscopic surgery.

Ferroptosis in AS progression: role of miRNA

We review the relationship between miRNAs associated with ferroptosis and the evolution of AS. Even though, more evidence is asked to determine the role of miRNAs associated with ferroptosis in the AS, this review will help us understand the role of miRNAs in ferroptosis and AS and may provide new insights for probing new biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of AS for the time to come. This is a narrative essay. Using PubMed as the main source, a literature search strategy was randomly implemented to index Scopus articles. No specific terminology is used. Studies have shown that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the development of AS, and a large amount of ferroptosis in cells can lead to the progression of AS. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) have been proved to be taken part in the biological course of ferroptosis and thus the process of AS is affected. The exact regulatory mechanism behind this appearance remains unclear. In order to clarify this, a growing number of studies have concentrated the regulatory role of miRNAs in the process of generation and development of ferroptosis, as well as the function of ferroptosis in the progression of AS. MiRNAs play a significant role in the process of ferroptosis and are incredibly significant in the occurrence, development, clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation of AS.

[The assistant effects of porcine fibrin sealant in improving stone clearance rate in flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy in ex vivo porcine kidney model]

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of using a porcine fibrin sealant to wrap and remove kidney calculi fragments through an isolated porcine kidney model. Methods: In the isolated porcine kidney stone model (implanted with 100 mg, air dried, ≤1 mm human stone fragments, n=6;implanted with 100 mg, air dried, ≤3 mm human stone fragments, n=6), the ureteral soft mirror combined with the 12/14Fr UAS was used to test the effect of stone extraction using only two stone extraction methods: basket extraction (control group, ≤1 mm stone fragments, n=3; ≤3 mm stone fragments, n=3) and basket-sealant extraction (test group, ≤1 mm stone fragments, n=3; ≤3 mm stone fragments, n=3). Compare the stone removal rate and operation time of the two stone retrieval methods. The sealant was put into urine of normal human and observed. Results: Porcine Fibrin Sealant can form a gel in saline and urine and adhere and wrap stone fragments. The time of procedures of test (basket-sealant) and control (basket) group in kidneys implanted with ≤ 1 mm stone fragments were (14.0±4.2) and (29.0±0.7)min (P<0.05) stone clearance rates were (90.9±1.4)% and (48.4±15.7)% (P<0.05), respectively. In kidneys implanted with ≤ 3 mm fragments, time of procedures were (12.8±4.0) and (30.0±0)min (P<0.05) Stone clearance rates were (91.1±5.0)% and (20.7±8.0)% (P<0.05). The Sealant dissolves by itself in normal human urine and normal saline at 37 ℃ for 24 hours. Conclusion: The appropriate concentration of Porcine Fibrin Sealant assisted stone retrieval may become a new method for removing small stone fragments in retrograde intrarenal surgery.

Impedance matching system using triple liquid stub tuners for high-power ion cyclotron resonance heating in EAST tokamak

Ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH), one of the main auxiliary methods, for high-power and long-pulse plasma heating had been developed in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). An impedance matching system, one important part of ICRH, had been developed for high-power injection and transmitter protection by reducing the reflected power from the antenna. The input impedance in the outlet of the stub tuner can be measured by voltage-current probes installed on the coaxial transmission line between the antenna and triple liquid stub tuners, and the optimum liquid levels in the stub tuners can be calculated based on the input impedance. The calculation and adjustment process of the optimum liquid levels are described comprehensively in this article. Finally, impedance matching had been achieved between two shots during EAST experiments. In the near future, a real-time impedance matching system will be developed to prevent large variations of the ICRH antenna impedance and achieve steady-state and long-pulse operation with the ICRH system.

[Impact of the examined number of lymph nodes at N1 station on the prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 337 patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC who underwent radical lung cancer surgery at the Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from January 2013 to March 2015 were selected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value for predicting 5-year survival in pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC patients by the examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station. The relationships between the examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC were analyzed according to the optimal cut-off group. Results: A total of 1 321 lymph nodes at N1 station were examined in 337 patients, with a mean of 3.9 nodes per patient. The median survival time was 42.0 months, with 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 82.2%, 57.1% and 24.9%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of 4.5 lymph nodes examined at the N1 station was used to predict 5-year survival in patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC. After rounding off the number, the number of lymph nodes examined at the N1 station was 5 as the cut-off value, and the patients were divided into the group with <5 lymph nodes examined (212 cases) and the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined (125 cases). The proportion of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy was 19.2% in the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined, which was higher than 9.0% in the group with <5 lymph nodes examined (P=0.007), and the differences in other clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The median survival time for patients in the group with <5 lymph nodes examined was 38.0 months, with 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 80.1%, 52.5% and 15.6%, respectively. The median survival time for patients in the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined was 48.0 months, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 85.6%, 64.0% and 36.0%, respectively. The survival rate of patients in the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined was better than that in the group with <5 lymph nodes examined (P=0.002). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that T stage (OR=1.408, 95% CI: 1.118-1.670) and the examined number of lymph nodes at N1 station (OR=0.670, 95% CI: 0.526-0.853) were independent influence factors for the prognosis of pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC patients. Conclusion: The examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station is associated with the prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC, and the examination of at least 5 lymph nodes at N1 station at the time of postoperative pathological examination improves the 5-year survival rate of patients.

[Comparison of efficacy and safety of insulin aspart injection Rishulin and NovoRapid for treatment of diabetes: a multicenter, randomized, open-labeled, controlled trial]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of Tonghua Dongbao's insulin aspart injection (Rishulin) and NovoRapid (Novo Nordisk) in the treatment of diabetes. Methods: A 26-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, positive control drug and non-inferiority trial was conducted in 23 centers in China. A total of 563 diabetes with poor blood glucose control treated with insulin for at least 3 months before were included. The subjects were randomized(stratified block random method) into those receiving Rishulin or NovoRapid at a ratio of 3∶1. Both groups were combined with basal insulin (Lantus). The primary endpoint was the change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to the end of 24 weeks of treatment. Results: For full analysis set, after 24 weeks of treatment, HbA1c level of Ruishulin group decreased from (8.66±1.28)% to (7.77±1.09)% (P<0.001), and that of NovoRapid group decreased from (8.47±1.28) % to (7.65±0.97) % (P<0.001). Treatment difference in HbA1c (NovoRapid group-Ruishulin group) was -0.061% (95%CI -0.320-0.199). HbA1c<7.0% target reacing rates were 24.26% and 21.21% (P=0.456), and HbA1c<6.5% target reacing rates were 9.65% and 6.82% (P=0.310) in Ruishulin group and NovoRapid group, repectively. The standard 2 hours postprandial blood glucose (2hPG) in Ruishulin group decreased from (16.23±5.22) mmol/L to (12.65±4.57) mmol/L (P<0.001), and 2hPG in NovoRapid group decreased from (16.13±5.37) mmol/L to (11.91)±4.21) mmol/L (P<0.001). The fingertips blood glucose at 7-point of both groups exhibited varying degrees of reduction compared with those at baseline, repectively. Positive ratios of specific antibodies were 31.68% in Ruishulin group and 36.36% in NovoRapid group (P=0.320). Ratios of negative to positive were 7.43% and 10.61% (P=0.360), and ratios of positive to negative were 10.40% and 7.58% (P=0.360) in Ruishulin group and NovoRapid group, respectively. The incidence of hypoglycemia was 60.05% and 55.40% (P=0.371), and the incidence of adverse events was 76.60% and 77.70% (P=0.818) in Ruishulin group and NovoRapid group, respectively. Conclusions: Rishulin is not inferior to NovoRapid, and has shown good efficacy and safety. It can be an ideal choice for clinicians in patients with poor blood glucose control with insulin.

[Surveillance of Culex mosquitoes in Jiangsu Province from 2018 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution and density of Culex mosquito populations and the resistance of Culex pipiens pallens to insecticides in Jiangsu Province in 2018 and 2019.

METHODS

During the period from June to October in 2018 and 2019, six counties (districts, cities) were sampled in southern, northern and central Jiangsu Province as surveillance sites. The density of Culex mosquitoes was measured overnight using the light trapping technique. In addition, Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes were collected from Hai'an of Nantong City and Yandu District of Yancheng City, central Jiangsu Province, and the sensitivity of female first filial generations to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), malation, proposur, beta cypermethrin and deltamethrin was tested using the standard WHO insecticide susceptibility test assay.

RESULTS

A total of 104 423 Culex mosquitoes were captured in six surveillance sites of Jiangsu Province in 2018 and 2019, and Culex quinquefasciatus (49.11%), Culex pipiens pallens (28.38%), and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (21.04%) were predominant species. The density of Culex mosquitoes started to increase since early June, peaked in July and tended to be low in late October. Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes captured from Hai'an was susceptible to malation, while those from Yandu District were moderately resistant to malation. Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes from both Yandu and Hai'an were moderately resistant to proposur, and were resistant to DDT, beta cypermethrin and deltamethrin.

CONCLUSIONS

Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens pallens and Culex tritaeniorhynchus are predominant Culex species in Jiangsu Province. Culex pipiens pallens is resistant to DT, beta cypermethrin and deltamethrin in central Jiangsu Province.

[Study on emergency metabolic changes of Anopheles sinensis larvae following exposure to deltamethrin]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the changes of small molecular metabolites in the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of Anopheles sinensis following exposure to deltamethrin, so as to provide the scientific basis for investigating the metabolic pathway and screening metabolic markers of deltamethrin in An. sinensis.

METHODS

The 50% and 75% lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₇₅) of deltamethrin against the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis were calculated in laboratory. The type and content of An. sinensis larvae metabolites were detected using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) following exposure to deltamethrin at LC₅₀ and LC₇₅ for 30 min and 24 h, and the changes of metabolites were analyzed.

RESULTS

The LC₅₀ and LC₇₅ values of deltamethrin were 4.36 × 10^-3 µg/mL and 1.12 × 10^-2 µg/mL against thelarvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis. Following exposure of the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis to deltamethrin at LC₅₀ and LC₇₅ for 30 min, the differential metabolites mainly included organic oxygen compounds, carboxylic acid and its derivatives, fatty acyl and pyrimidine nucleotides, with reduced glucose levels. Following exposure for 24 h, the differential metabolites mainly included organic oxygen compounds, carboxylic acid and its derivatives, aliphatic acyl and purine nucleotides, with increased glucose level detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbohydrate, carboxylic acid and its derivatives, fatty acyls, amino acids and their derivatives may play important roles in deltamethrin metabolism in the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis.

MiR-640 inhibition alleviates acute liver injury via regulating WNT signaling pathway and LRP1

OBJECTIVE

Acute liver injury (ALI) is associated with the Kupffer cells (KCs) inflammation and hepatocytes apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that miR-640 is a valid regulator of the Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP 1) which expressed much lower in an inflammatory condition. However, it is unclear whether MiR-640 inhibition protects against ALI by the up-regulation of LRP 1. To explore the regulated mechanism of miR-640 on acute liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the expression of miR-640 in different times of acute injured liver tissues. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was employed in provoking the KCs inflammation to injure liver. We used miR-640 mimic or inhibitor to improve or resist the function of miR-640 to explore miR-640 function to ALI via the target of LRP1.

RESULTS

We showed that the expression of miR-640 markedly increased in LPS-induced acute injured liver tissues. LPS promoted the progress of ALI, and the inhibition of miR-640 could reverse the injured effects of LPS. Moreover, WNT signaling pathway and LRP1 were significantly enhanced by miR-640 inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that miR-640 promotes KCs inflammation via restraining LRP 1 and WNT signaling pathway. But inhibiting miR-640 prevents inflammation damage and ameliorates ALI. MiR-640 inhibition may become a novel target for the therapy of ALI in the future.

[Analysis of complications and outcomes of tracheotomy with different etiology in children]

Objective: To discuss the complications and postoperative outcomes of tracheotomy with different etiology in children. Methods: One hundred and eighty-six patients underwent tracheotomy were retrospectively analyzed from January 2016 to December 2018,including 117 males and 69 females. The children aged from 4 days to 14 years (median age 31.5months). One case was operated under local anesthesia in emergency room, 2 cases were operated under local anesthesia in pediatric intensive care unit, the rest 183 cases were operated under general anesthesia in operation room. The 186 children were divided into four groups according to their direct causes of tracheotomy. Group A(90 cases): Neuromuscular disease and severe infection,Group B(26 cases): Head and neck tumor,Group C(57 cases): Congenital malformation and upper airway obstruction,Group D(13 cases): Accidental injury. The basic information, surgical complications and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. All patients were followed up by clinic or by telephone. Spss 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred and eighty-six patients were followed up for one to four years. 33 children lost the follow-up and 46 died. Among the 186 patients, 23 cases had emergency tracheotomy (12.4%). The rate of emergency tracheotomy in group C(16 cases, 28.1%) was higher than that in the other three groups(χ2=28.08,P<0.05). The average age of patients and hospital stay in group C were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (F=33.76,P<0.05; F=14.95,P<0.05). Incision bleeding occurred in 11 cases, Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 6 cases and accidental decannulation occurred in 10 cases (4 cases within 2 weeks and 6 after 2 weeks). Six patients underwent tracheocutaneous fistula closure operation after decannulation and the stoma healed spontaneously in other extubated children. Two patients underwent secondary tracheotomy due to accidental decannulation, and three patients underwent secondary tracheotomy for dyspnea after decannulation. In 107 cases of survival children, decannulation was successful in 65 patients and failed in 42 patients. The average duration of wearing tracheal tube was 8.8 months. The decannulation rates in the four groups were 55.6%, 45%, 69% and 77.8%, with no significant difference. Conclusions: The complications after tracheotomy in children are rare, and no severe complications occurred in long-term tracheotomy patients. The duration of wearing tracheal tube is related to the treatment of their primary disease.

LncRNA CASC15 promotes migration and invasion in prostate cancer via targeting miR-200a-3p

OBJECTIVE

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most ordinary malignant cancers. Recent researches have proved that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as an important role in cancers. Our study aims to explore the function of lncRNA CASC15 in the tumor metastasis of PC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to detect CASC15 expression in 50 PC patients. Besides, the wound healing assay and transwell assay were performed to identify the biological behavior changes of PC cells after CASC15 was silenced in PC cells. In addition, the potential mechanism was also explored using the luciferase assay.

RESULTS

CASC15 expression level was significantly higher in PC tissues and cell lines. Results of wound healing assay and transwell assay revealed that cell migrated ability and invaded ability were suppressed via silence of CASC15 in PC cells. Furthermore, the expression of miR-200a-3p was upregulated via silence of CASC15 in PC cells. Luciferase assay showed that miR-200a-3p was a direct target of CASC15 in PC. In addition, miR-200a-3p expression was negatively correlated with CASC15 expression in PC tissues. Rescue experiments also revealed that the inhibition of PC migration and invasion by silence of CASC15 could be reversed through knockdown of miR-200a-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study uncovers that CASC15 could enhance cell migration and invasion of PC cells by sponging miR-200a-3p, which might be applied as a novel therapeutic target for PC patients.

Exploration of effect of Odanacatib on inhibiting orthodontic recurrence in rats and on CatK and IGF-1 mRNA

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Odanacatib on orthodontic recurrence in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty rats were selected to establish a planting anchorage molar movement model, and 50 g of force was used for the mesial movement of the right maxillary first molar. Forty rats were randomly divided into the observation group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Odanacatib (60 μl, 1.25 μM) was locally injected into the mucoperiosteum around the right maxillary first molar of rats in the experimental group, and an equal amount of normal saline was injected into rats in the control group. A Vernier caliper was used for measuring the recurrence movement distance and recurrence rate of rats, Micro-CT for scanning the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume fraction (BVF) of the alveolar bone, TRAP special staining for observing changes in osteoclasts and quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) for detecting the mRNA expressions of cathepsin K (CatK) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in periodontal tissues.

RESULTS

After 3 weeks of modeling, the movement distance of the first molar of rats in the two groups was 1.16±0.19 mm. The molar movement distance and recurrence rate of rats were significantly higher in the control group than those in the observation group (p<0.05). The BMD and BVF of the alveolar bone of rats were markedly lower in the control group than those in the observation group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of osteoclasts between the observation group (26.15±3.92) and the control group (27.01±2.74) (t=0.882, p=0.383). The CatK mRNA expression of rats was remarkably lower in the observation group than that in the control group (p<0.05). The IGF-1 mRNA expression of rats was significantly higher in the observation group than that in the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

By promoting the IGF-1 mRNA expression and increasing the BMD and BVF of the alveolar bone, Odanacatib inhibits orthodontic recurrence and has no effect on osteoclast activity.

LncRNA CASC15 promotes migration and invasion in prostate cancer via targeting miR-200a-3p

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "LncRNA CASC15 promotes migration and invasion in prostate cancer via targeting miR-200a-3p, by C. Zhang, G.-X. Wang, B. Fu, X.-C. Zhou, Y. Li, Y.-Y. Li, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (19): 8303-8309-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201910_19141-PMID: 31646560" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/19141.

[Jiangsu Province Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Registry study: a report of 4 661 patients in 13 centers]

Objective: To examine the overall status of the Jiangsu Province Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Registry database. Methods: The patients date of Jiangsu Province Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Registry database from October 2017 to December 2019 was collected retrospectively.Risk factors, history, cardiac function (New York Heart Association class), extent of coronary artery lesion, European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation Ⅱ (EuroSCORE Ⅱ), cardiopulmonary bypss, arterial grafts, the numbers and flow of grafts and postoperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event(MACCE) information were analyzed. The clinical data of patients underwent on-pump CABG(ONCABG) or off-pump CABG (OPCAB) were compared by t test or χ(2) test. Results: Up till December 2019, the database enrolled 7 138 patients, in which 4 661 patients receiving primary isolated CABG. There were 3 486 males and 1 175 females with the age of (64.6±8.1) years (range:31 to 87 years). There were coronary left main disease in 960 patients, triple vessel disease in 3 934 patients, both left main and triple vessel disease in 837 patients, ejection fraction>50% in 3 841 patients, cardiac function class Ⅲ to Ⅳ in 1 664 patients. EuroSCORE Ⅱ was (2.3±0.7)% (range: 0.5% to 35.8%). There were 2 731 patients (58.59%) underwent ONCABG and 1 930 patients (41.41%) underwent OPCAB. There were 4 144 patients (88.91%) for whom the left internal thoracic artery was harvested. Seven centers (2 centers routinely) used left radial artery, 5 centers (3 centers routinely) used the transit time flow meter. The graft was 3.4±0.7 (range:1 to 7), the aortic crossclamp time was (65.0±20.4) minutes (range: 21 to 196 minutes), the cardiopulmonary bypass time was (90.0±24.2) minutes (range: 33 to 227 minutes). In-hospital death ocurred in 84 patients(1.80%), while re-operation in 93 patients (2.00%), myocardial infarction in 71 patients (1.52%), cerebral infarction in 33 patients (0.71%) and dialysis in 56 patients (1.20%). There were 2 936 patients prescribed with secondary prevention drugs(62.99%).Comparing with OPCAB group, ONCABG group had younger age, more female, more diabetes mellitus, more history of myocardial infarction and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, poorer cardiac function and coronary lesions, higher EuroSCORE Ⅱ, preoperatively (all P<0.05), and was associated with higher MACCE (135/2 731 vs. 71/1 930, χ(2)=4.280, P=0.039), and of more grafts, transfusion and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation application (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Jiangsu Province Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Registry database is generally in good operation, and some parameters still need to be improved. Comparing with OPCAB group, ONCABG has more severe preoperative general conditions, while the outcomes is acceptable.

[Prognosis analysis of 112 cases with Japanese encephalitis in adults]

Objective: To analyze the improvement of clinical symptoms and recovery of neurological function in adult Japanese encephalitis, and study the prognostic factors. Methods: Follow-up was conducted for 112 hospitalized patients with Japanese encephalitis (JE) in adults at the Department of Neurology of three hospitals in Gansu province from July to October 2016, from July to October 2017, 6 months and 1 year after onset, respectively. The neurological functional recovery was evaluated by modified Ranking Scale (mRS).The influencing factors were analyzed by logistic regression model. Results: Among the 112 adult patients with JE after 1year follow-up, 57% (64/112) were completely recovered (mRS score=0), and 14%(16/112) had mild neurological dysfunction (mRS score=1 or 2 points), 20% (22/112) had moderate to severe neurological dysfunction (mRS score 3 to 5), and 9% (10/112) died. In 102 survivors, decreased consciousness were fully recovered (100%), 75% of the mental and behavior disorders, 64% of cognitive/memory impairment, 71% of language function disorder, 61% of paralysis, 73% of extrapyramidal symptoms were fully recovered, and 92% of the seizures were controlled. Comparison of clinical data of initial on-set between good prognosis group (mRS score≤2, 80 cases) and poor prognosis group (mRS score>2, 32 cases) showed that initial clinical manifestation with seizures, consciousness (GCS score), cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and lesion of MRI involved in midbrain had statistically significant differences (all P<0.05) . Multivariate analysis demonstrated that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure>250 mmH(2)O and lesion of midbrain in MRI were independent risk factors of poor prognosis in adult patients with JE. Conclusion: JE is an acute and infectious viral encephalitis of the central nervous system with high disability and mortality. Most patients were completely recovered, and some had neurological sequelae. CSF pressure>250 mmH(2)O and lesion of midbrain in MRI are independent risk factors for poor prognosis.

[Clinical assessment and related intervention of neonatal upper airway obstruction]

Objective:To discuss the diagnosis and evaluation of upper airway obstruction in neonates, classify the possible causes of neonatal upper airway obstruction, establish a standardized diagnosis and treatment procedure to improve the of treatment efficacy. Method:Clinical data of 71 cases with upper airway obstruction history were retrospective analyzed, 38 cases were treated by combined medical and surgical treatment, 17 cases underwent medical treatment, 16 cases abandonment the treatment. The effectiveness of fibrolaryngoscope, CT, neck ultrasound, MRI and other results was evaluated, and to analyze the prognosis of the treatment, the outcomes and risk factors were also analysed, to evaluate risk factors associated with upper airway obstruction. Result:Fifty-five cases were cured or improved. The mortality rate of 16 children who gave up treatment and left hospital automatically was 81.25%（13/16）. The accuracy rate of flexible laryngoscope in detecting the level of upper airway obstruction was 100%, the coincidence rate of B-ultrasound for upper airway cystic occupation was 100%. Etiological order from high to low was congenital space-occupying lesions, congenital upper airway malformation, vocal cord paralysis, Pierre-Robin syndrome. The site of obstruction has a significant influence on the severity of upper airway obstruction（P<0.05）. The cure rate of the non-endotracheal intubation group was higher than that of the endotracheal intubation group（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The obstruction site of upper airway significantly affects the outcome and the severity of the disease. Upper airway space occupying lesions are the primary causes of upper airway obstruction in neonates. Early assessment and timely treatment can improve the cure rate and improve the prognosis. Internal medicine combined with surgical treatment is effective in relieving upper airway obstruction.

[The prevalence of snoring and its related family factors of children from 3 to 14 years old in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the snoring status and related family factors of children from 3 to 14 years old in Beijing. Methods: From May to July, 2015, data of children from 3 to 14 years old were obtained from a status survey from 7 districts(Xicheng, Chaoyang, Changping, Shunyi, Fangshan, Huairou and Mentougou) in Beijing. A total of 11 420 children from 25 primary and middle schools were randomly selected. Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and a self-administered questionnaire were carried out for the adopted children. Self-administered questionnaire included the snoring related family factors. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odd ratio(OR) with 95% confidence intervals for variables. Results: A total of 9 198 children meet the inclusion criteria and are analyzed in the study, of whom 901 (9.80%) were found with snoring behavior. The incidence of boys is higher than girls. Obese children take higher risk of snoring. Compared with younger children (≤6 years old), older children (≥12 years old) have a significantly lower risk of snoring (OR=0.464, 95%CI 0.368-0.585). There is no statistical association between full-term infants, infant feeding pattern, parental cigarette smoking and child snoring.The children with family history of snoring have a significantly higher risk of snoring occurrence. The educational background of mother is statistically related to children snoring (OR=1.241, 95%CI 1.058-1.457). Conclusions: The incidence of children snoring in Beijing is 9.80%, male gender, obesity, and young age are all risk factors for children snoring. There is a significantly statistical relationship between snoring and related family factors, such as family snoring history and education experience.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG16 promotes cell growth and metastasis in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA SNHG16 in ovarian cancer and to further investigate its role in the development of ovarian cancer as well as its potential regulatory mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of SNHG16 in 103 ovarian cancer tissues and normal tissues; the relationship between the expression of SNHG16 and the pathological parameters of ovarian cancer and the prognosis of patients was also analyzed. qRT-PCR was used to further verify the expression of SNHG16 in the ovarian cancer cells. After establishment of SNHG16 knockdown expression model in ovarian cancer cells SKOV-3 and HO8910 using small interfering RNA, the effect of SNHG16 on biological function of ovarian cancer cells was analyzed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), transwell invasion and migration assay. Finally, its potential mechanism was analyzed by Western Blot.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of SNHG16 in ovarian cancer was significantly higher than that in normal tissues, and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with patients with lower expression of SNHG16, patients with higher expression of SNHG16 had higher tumor stage, high rate of distant metastasis and low overall survival rate. Compared with the negative control si-NC group, the cell proliferation, invasion and migration ability in SNHG16 knockdown group (si-SNHG16) significantly decreased. Western Blot showed that after knockdown of SNHG16, expressions of P-AKT and MMP9 decreased significantly, while there was no significant change in the total AKT level.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG16 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer, and was correlated with staging, distant metastasis and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. SNHG16 may activate phosphorylation of AKT and upregulate the expression of MMP9 to promote cell proliferation, invasion and migration of ovarian cancer.

[Analysis of sleep quality and related factors among children in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the sleep quality of children in Beijing and to analyze the related factors. Methods: The data were collected from the survey of 3-14 years old children in 7 urban districts of Beijing in 2015. By using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, 26 kindergartens and primary and secondary schools in 7 districts and counties, including Xicheng, Chaoyang, Changping, Shunyi, Fangshan, Huairou and Mentougou, were randomly selected, with a total of 11 420 children. Children's sleep status was investigated with Children's Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and the proportion of children with sleep quality problems when the PSQ score was greater than 7. Various sleep related factors were investigated with self-made questionnaire. A multilevel model was used to analyze the relationship between PSQ score and related factors. Results: The average PSQ score of the children was 3.60±2.69. The proportion of children with sleep quality problems was 8.87%(816/9 198). Multilevel model analysis showed that the younger the children, the higher the PSQ score (<6 years old vs. 6~12 years old vs. >12 years old: 3.94±2.58 vs. 3.58±2.66 vs. 3.30±2.84, F=33.015, P<0.001); male PSQ score higher than female (3.89±2.75 vs. 3.30±2.60, t=10.560, P<0.001); and snoring, obesity, father/mother snoring, playing games before bed, surfing the internet, eating and other factors were statistically related to PSQ. Conclusions: Sleep quality of children in Beijing should not be neglected, especially preschool children with high PSQ scores. Parents should pay attention to children's snoring problems and try to reduce some pre-sleep behaviors that may affect sleep quality.

[Analysis of sleep structure and related factors in children with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the sleep structure and related factors in children with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). Method: We summarized the characteristics of 250 children withsevere OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography（PSG）in our hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. According to AHI, the patients were divided into three groups, 159 in group A with 20 < AHI≤0, 57 in group B with 40 < AHI≤60, and 34 in group C with AHI > 60. We collected the basic data, sleep parameters (sleep efficiency, latency, sleep stage, sleep index, etc.), preoperative arterial blood gas test results (awake and postsleep state), echocardiographic findings of the three groups. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed with SPSS19.0. Result: BMI, AHI, OAHI, LSaO₂ was significantly different with among the three groups (all P<0.01), and there was a linear correlation between BMI and AHI (r=0.251). There was significant differences in sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency (SO), and rapid eye movement (REM) latency among the three groups. Compared with group A, the proportion of sleep in stage 1 increased by 38%, the proportion of sleep in stage 3+4 was decreased by 19%, and the proportion of REM was decreased by 14% in group C. There was no significant difference between group A and B. There was a significant linear correlation between AHI and ODI in NREM and REM, respectively (r¹=0.663, r₂=0.499, P< 0.001), and the ODI in REM (63.8±35.0) was significantly higher than that in NREM (29.7±36.0), accounting for 68% of the sleep. Sixty-five children had received preoperative arterial blood gas test (awake and post-sleep state). There was a significant negative correlation between AHI and SaO₂ after sleep (r=-0.444, P=0.000), and no significant correlation in awake state. Forty-four patients underwent preoperative echocardiographic examination. There was significant differences between group A and C in interventricular septum thickness, left ventricular diameter, and main pulmonary artery diameter (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between group A and B. There were no significant differences in aortic annulus diameter, left atrial diameter, left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD), ejection fraction(EF), and right ventricular anteroposterior diameter among the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Obesity is an important factor affecting the severity of OSAHS. As the severity of disease increased, the proportion of awakening time and stage 1 of sleep increased, but stage 3, 4 and REM decreased significantly. The SE, SO, and REM latency were significantly associated with the severity of OSAHS. The severity of hypoxemia is significantly related to AHI, and mainly occur in REM stage. Severe OSAHS is risk factor for cardiovascular complications.

The value of detecting pepsinogen and gastrin-17 levels in serum for pre-cancerous lesion screening in gastric cancer

The aim of the study was to estimate the value of detecting pepsinogen (PG) I, PGII, and gastrin-17 (G-17) levels in serum for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) screening and to determine the clinical applicability of combined measurement of serum G-17, pepsinogens (PGI, PGII) and PGI/PGII ratio (PGR) as a screening test for CAG. The PGI, PGII, and G-17 levels were detected by ELISA in 68 patients with CAG and 86 healthy volunteers who underwent gastroscopy for gastroduodenal diseases at Taizhou Municipal Hospital between January 2016 and December 2016. Concentrations of all measured serum markers were lower in patients with CAG in comparison to healthy volunteers and achieved statistical significance (P<0.01) in PGI (93.25 vs 126.98) and PGR (12.67 vs 17.09). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed the optimal cut-off values for PGI, PGII, PGR, and G-17 at 98.10 μg/l, 6.92 ng/l, 15.77 and 1.94 pmol/l, with sensitivities of 72.10%, 58.10%, 61.60%, and 59.30% and specificities of 61.8%, 51.50%, 77.90%, and 55.90%, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of PGI, PGR, and G-17 were 0.728, 0.726, and 0.556, respectively. The increase of AUC was observed only in PGR and G-17 combination (0.741) with increased sensitivity (69.10% vs 61.60%) of screening for CAG, whereas the specificity was reduced (72.10% vs 77.90%) in comparison to PGR alone. Combination of serum indicators can raise the diagnosis accuracy of CAG in some respects. However, further research including a larger sample size is necessary in order to accurately determine the sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of serum indicators.

[The prevalence of snoring and its association with academic performance among school-aged children in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the snoring status of school-aged children in Beijing and explore the association of snoring and academic performance. Methods: A total of 7 925 children aged from 6 to 14 were selected from 15 primary and middle schools at 7 districts (Xicheng, Chaoyang, Changping, Shunyi, Fangshan, Huairou and Mentougou) in Beijing in 2015, using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. The recruited children were asked to complete the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and a questionnaire related to sleep behavior. The multiplelogistic regression was used to analyze the association of snoring and academic performance. Results: A total of 794 (12.44%) children showed a decline in academic performance among 6 383 eligible respondentsfor data analysis. 580 (9.08%) children with snoring was identified, of which 333 and 247 were in frequency of 1-2 times per week and frequency of ≥3 times per week, respectively; 357, 170 and 53 were in snoring grade Ⅰ, grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅲ, respectively. Compared with the children without snoring, the OR (95%CI) for children with 1-2 times per week and ≥3 times per week was 1.363 (1.000-1.857) and 1.605 (1.135-2.269), respectively; and the OR (95%CI) for children with grade Ⅰ, grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅲ of snoring was 1.226 (0.893-1.683), 1.595 (1.062-2.397) and 2.31 (1.17-4.565), respectively. Conclusion: There is a statistical relationship between snoring and the decline of academic performance. The decline of academic performance positively associated with increased frequency and grade of snoring.

[Learning curve of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy for the treatment of resectable lung cancer]

Objective: To analyze the learning curve of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for the treatment of resectable lung cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 160 patients with resectable lung cancer who underwent uniportal VATS lobectomy by a single surgical team between May 2016 and April 2017 at Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China were analyzed retrospectively. The study group consisted of 90 male and 70 female patients with age of 28 to 84 years (median: 62 years). The patients were divided into four groups from group A to D according to chronological order. The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes and nodal stations, the proportion of changes in operation mode, postoperative complications, chest drainage duration and hospitalization time were individually compared among the four groups by variance analysis and χ(2) test. Results: The 4 groups were similar in terms of incision length, chest drainage duration, number of dissected lymph nodes and nodal stations and postoperative hospitalization time (P>0.05). The difference of the operation time ((185.9±17.9) minutes vs. (139.9±10.7) minutes vs.(128.7±7.8) minutes vs.(124.0±9.3) minutes, F=219.605, P=0.000), intraoperative blood loss ((233.9±135.8) ml vs. (126.8±18.1) ml vs. (116.4±22.6) ml vs.(112.8±25.3) ml, F=26.942, P=0.000), the proportion of changes in operation mode (17.5% vs.7.5% vs. 5.0% vs. 5.0%, χ(2)=8.300, P=0.040), and the incidence of postoperative complications (27.5% vs. 10.0% vs. 10.0% vs. 7.5%, χ(2)=8.643, P=0.034) among the 4 groups was statistically significant. Conclusions: Uniportal VATS lobectomy can be safely and feasibly performed for resectable lung cancer, learning curve for uniportal VATS lobectomy is approximately 40 cases. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications and the proportion of changes in operation mode can be used as the main measures during surgery.

Mechanical Characterization and Material Modeling of Diabetic Aortas in a Rabbit Model

Diabetes has been recognized as a major risk factor to cause macrovascular diseases and plays a key role in aortic wall remodeling. However, the effects of diabetes on elastic properties of aortas remain largely unknown and quantitative mechanical data are lacking. Thirty adult rabbits (1.6-2.2 kg) were collected and the type 1 diabetic rabbit model was induced by injection of alloxan. A total of 15 control and 15 diabetic rabbit (abdominal) aortas were harvested. Uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests were performed to measure ultimate tensile strength and to characterize biaxial mechanical behaviors of the aortas. A material model was fitted to the biaxial experimental data to obtain constitutive parameters. Histological and mass fraction analyses were performed to investigate the underlying microstructure and dry weight percentages of elastin and collagen in the control and the diabetic aortas. No statistically significant difference was found in ultimate tensile strength between the control and the diabetic aortas. Regarding biaxial mechanical responses, the diabetic aortas exhibited significantly lower extensibility and significantly higher tissue stiffness than the control aortas. Notably, tissue stiffening occurred in both circumferential and axial directions for the diabetic aortas; however, mechanical anisotropy does not change significantly. The material model was able to fit biaxial experimental data very well. Histology showed that a number of isolated foam cells were embedded in the diabetic aortas and hyperplasia of collagen was identified. The dry weight percentages of collagen within the diabetic aortas increased significantly as compared to the control aortas, whereas no significant change was found for that of elastin. Our data suggest that the diabetes impairs elastic properties and alters microstructure of the aortas and consequently, these changes may further contribute to complex aortic wall remodeling.

[Laryngotracheal stenosis in children]

Laryngotracheal stenosis includes congenital laryngotracheal stenosis and secondary laryngotracheal stenosis. Congenital laryngotracheal anomalies are rare, accounting for 0.3%-1.0% of all laryngotracheal stenosis(LTS). Despite the management of pediatric LTS over the past 30 years had been considerable improved, primary surgery still failed in a significant number of complex LTS cases. In some severe LTS cases combined with glottic stenosis, the primary surgery failed around 30%, even with the latest available techniques. Children with LTS usually need multiple operations, and need the tracheostomy tube for months or even years. Therefore, the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis are summarized in this paper.

Antibacterial efficacy and pharmacokinetic evaluation of sanguinarine in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following a single intraperitoneal administration

Sanguinarine (SA), with antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities against fish pathogens, exhibits great potential commercial use in aquaculture. However, little information on pharmacokinetics of SA restricts further application in aquaculture. In this study, pharmacokinetics of SA in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following a single intraperitoneal administration [10 mg kg(-1) BW (body weight)] was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The peak concentration (Cmax ) of SA in kidney was 11.8 μg g(-1) , which was higher than in other tissues and plasma. The terminal half-life in fish tissue and plasma was as follows: 42.3 h (kidney) > 37.2 h (liver) > 20.1 h (gill) > 18.8 h (muscle) > 10.9 h (spleen) > 10.0 h (plasma). Additionally, we determined the bacterial loads in tissues of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila after i.p. administration of SA at 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg kg(-1) BW. The results showed that i.p. administration of SA at 10 mg kg(-1) BW significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy against A. hydrophila, where the antibacterial ratio in the gill, kidney, spleen and liver on day 5 was 95.13%, 93.33%, 90.09% and 92.82%, respectively. Overall, these results suggested the potential of SA to treat A. hydrophila infection in common carp farming industry.

Evaluation of novel assays for the detection of human papilloma virus in self-collected samples for cervical cancer screening

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three new high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) assays for primary cervical cancer screening, by using self-collected samples, and to identify an HPV assay that could overcome the major obstacles faced during large-scale population-based screening. Two hundred and ten women showing abnormal cervical cytology (and referred for a colposcopy) were recruited in this study. Self-collected samples obtained from all women were tested with the Cobas, Seq, and BioPerfectus Multiplex Real Time HPV assays; simultaneously, clinician-collected samples (from the same women) were tested with the gold-standard Cobas HPV assay. The results of all the assays were consistent. The sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) and CIN3+ were comparable between the self-collected samples tested with the three new assays and the clinician-collected samples tested with the Cobas HPV assay (P > 0.05). The single-genotype HPV load per sample did not differ significantly between the self- and clinician-collected samples (P = 0.195). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated the applicability of the three new HPV assays for primary cervical cancer screening based on self-collection.

Systematic tracking of altered modules identifies disrupted pathways in teratozoospermia

The objective of this study was to identify disrupted pathways in teratozoospermia by systematically tracking dysregulated modules in reweighted protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. We inferred and reweighted the PPI networks of normal and teratozoospermia groups based on Spearman correlation coefficients. Modules in the PPI networks were explored via a clique-merging algorithm and altered modules were identified based on maximum weight bipartite matching. Furthermore, pathway-enrichment analyses of genes in altered modules were performed by Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to illuminate the biological pathways in teratozoospermia. A total of 20,102 genes were screened from the expression profile. We explored 2406 and 2101 modules in normal and disease PPI networks, respectively. Moreover, we obtained 875 altered modules by comparing modules in normal and teratozoospermia PPI networks. At P < 0.01, the genes involved in 2855 interactions with score changes >1 were mainly enriched in 66 pathways and the genes in altered modules were enriched in 71 pathways. The activity genes (missed and added genes in the disrupted modules) were enriched in 41 common pathways. There were 36 mutual enriched pathways under the five different conditions. Moreover, the cell cycle pathway was disrupted in the first 10 pathways of each condition. This study provides a powerful biomarker discovery platform to better understand the progression of teratozoospermia by systematically tracking dysregulated modules. This method uncovered potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets of teratozoospermia. This information might lead to improved monitoring and treatment of teratozoospermia.

Lack of association between the cyclooxygenase 2 -765G>C polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) -765G>C (rs20417) polymorphism and prostate cancer (PC) risk using meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases by using the terms "cyclooxygenase-2/COX-2/PTGs2", "polymorphism" or "variation", and "prostate" and "cancer" or "carcinoma" to identify relevant articles up to June 14, 2014. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed for PC risk associated with COX2 -765G>C polymorphism using fixed- and random-effect models. We identified a total of nine publications, including 5952 cases and 5078 controls, to investigate the effect of COX2 -765G>C on PC risk, and found no significant association in any genetic model tested (CC vs GG: OR = 0.993, 95%CI = 0.923-1.068; GC+CC vs GG: OR = 1.041, 95%CI = 0.931-1.103; CC vs GC+GG: OR = 0.858, 95%CI = 0.689-1.067; CC vs GG: OR = 0.871, 95%CI = 0.689-1.086; GC vs GG: OR = 1.032, 95%CI = 0.945-1.127). Power analysis and tests for publication bias ensured the reliability of our results. This meta-analysis suggested that the functional COX2 -765G>C polymorphism, located in the COX2 gene promoter, is unlikely to be associated with PC risk. However, additional larger, well-designed studies are still required to reach a conclusive result on this issue.

Influence of colorectal cancer tumor suppressor gene CHD5 methylation on its clinical and pathological characteristics

Recently, abnormal tumor suppressor gene (TSG) methylation has become a hotspot in the research on colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to explore the influence of CHD5 methylation of CRC TSG on its clinical and pathological characteristics. A total of 40 operation samples as well as corresponding tissue specimens were collected from CRC patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to December in 2014. CHD5 gene methylation in tissue specimens was detected with methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP); moreover, messenger ribose nucleic acid (mRNA) expression of CHD5 in each tissue was tested using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot was applied to detect the expression of CHD5 protein in those tissues and to analyze the correlation between mRNA and protein of cancer tissue CHD5 as well as the relationship between CHD5 methylation and protein expression. Results revealed that the expression rate of CHD5 methylation in 40 normal mucosal tissues, para-carcinoma tissues, adenoma tissues and CRC tissues was 12.5% (5/40), 22.5% (9/40), 47.5% (19/40) and 72.5% (33/40), respectively. The mRNA expression of CHD5 in the above tissues was 0.225±0.276, 0.169±0.231, 0.147±0.159 and 0.013±0.011 and the protein expression of CHD5 was 0.438±0.205, 0.398±0.180, 0.156±0.1 and 0.024±0.311, respectively. Methylation rate of CHD5 was 87% (20/23) in 23 cases of CHD5 protein loss expression and 52.9% (9/17) in 17 cases of CHD5 protein expression. Results of chi-squared test indicated that there was a significant difference in methylation rate (P less than 0.05), that is, the methylation rate of negatively expressed CHD5 protein was obviously higher than positively expressed protein. Thus, it can be concluded that the CHD5 methylation rate rises gradually in the evolution of CRC, which is related to the occurrence and development of CRC. Furthermore, CHD5 mRNA is positively correlated with protein expression and CHD5 gene methylation is associated with protein loss expression. Therefore, TSG CHD5 methylation of rectal cancer has a great effect in influencing its clinical and pathological features.

Associations of depression with impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in Chinese adults

AIM

To examine the association between depression and impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese people, and whether depression was associated with different treatment regimens or durations of diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed among 229,047 adults living in the community aged ≥ 40 years from 25 centres in China. The self-reported depression rating scale Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to diagnose probable and sub-threshold depression. Glucose metabolism status was determined according to World Health Organization 1999 diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The numbers of participants with normal glucose regulation, impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes were 120,458, 59,512, 24,826 and 24,251, respectively. The prevalence of sub-threshold depression in the total sample of participants was 4.8% (4.8%, 4.8%, 4.4% and 5.6% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively), and the prevalence of probable depression was 1.1% (1.1%, 1.0%, 0.9% and 1.8% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively). Compared with participants with normal glucose regulation, those with previously diagnosed diabetes had increased odds of probable depression [odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-1.87] and sub-threshold depression (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.24), after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. Newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation was not associated with depression. Among those with previously diagnosed diabetes, insulin treatment was associated with greater odds of depression compared with no treatment or oral anti-diabetic medicine.

CONCLUSION

Previously diagnosed diabetes, but not newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation, was associated with a higher prevalence of depression. Patients receiving insulin were more likely to have depression than those not receiving treatment or being treated with oral anti-diabetic medicine.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T is a predictor of recurrent acute coronary syndrome in patients with acute myocardial infarction

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T is a useful tool for diagnosing myocardial ischemia. However, its role in the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction has not been studied. Here, the prognostic value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T for patients with acute myocardial infarction was investigated. The concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, other clinical chemistry makers, and living habits were investigated at the time of admission in patients with acute coronary syndrome, whereas the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T concentrations at 6 h after admission and during recovery were analyzed in other patient groups. The concentration of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T was significantly higher in patients with acute myocardial infarction than in those with other cardiac diseases and in controls (P < 0.01). Based on the standard diagnostic criterion, 134 patients were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. Monitoring the change in concentration of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in patients with acute coronary syndrome can reduce the risk of recurrence and death.

Mutation screening of TSC1 and TSC2 genes in Chinese Han children with tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurogenetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes and is frequently associated with hamartoma formation in multiple organ systems. Here, we report two novel mutations in the TSC2 gene, including a splicing mutation (IVS 29 +1G>C) in intron 29 and a deletion/insertion mutation (C.5090-5092delCCA- inAG) in exon 39 in two Chinese Han children with TSC whose first clinical manifestation was seizure. The identification of these two mutations confirmed the diagnosis of TSC and expands the spectrum of TSC2 mutations causing TSC.

Simultaneous picosecond and femtosecond solitons delivered from a nanotube-mode-locked all-fiber laser

We propose a compact nanotube-mode-locked all-fiber laser that can simultaneously generate picosecond and femtosecond solitons at different wavelengths. The pulse durations of picosecond and femtosecond solitons are measured to be ∼10.6  ps and ∼466  fs, respectively. Numerical results agree well with the experimental observations and clearly reveal that the dynamic evolutions of the picosecond and femtosecond solitons are qualitatively distinct in the intracavity. Our study presents a simple, stable, low-cost, and dual-scale ultrafast-pulsed laser source suitable for practical applications in optical communications.

A two-temperature model for selective photothermolysis laser treatment of port wine stains

Selective photothermolysis is the basic principle for laser treatment of vascular malformations such as port wine stain birthmarks (PWS). During cutaneous laser surgery, blood inside blood vessels is heated due to selective absorption of laser energy, while the surrounding normal tissue is spared. As a result, the blood and the surrounding tissue experience a local thermodynamic non-equilibrium condition. Traditionally, the PWS laser treatment process was simulated by a discrete-blood-vessel model that simplifies blood vessels into parallel cylinders buried in a multi-layer skin model. In this paper, PWS skin is treated as a porous medium made of tissue matrix and blood in the dermis. A two-temperature model is constructed following the local thermal non-equilibrium theory of porous media. Both transient and steady heat conduction problems are solved in a unit cell for the interfacial heat transfer between blood vessels and the surrounding tissue to close the present two-temperature model. The present two-temperature model is validated by good agreement with those from the discrete-blood-vessel model. The characteristics of the present two-temperature model are further illustrated through a comparison with the previously-used homogenous model, in which a local thermodynamic equilibrium assumption between the blood and the surrounding tissue is employed.

Synthesis of highly ordered mesoporous Co3O4 for gas sensing

Highly ordered mesoporous Co3O4 nanostructures were prepared using SBA-15 silica as hard templates. The mesoporous structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm analysis. The results demonstrated that the as-prepared mesoporous Co3O4 has an ordered P6mm symmetric mesoporous structure. The optical absorption properties of the mesoporous Co3O4 were investigatted by UV-Vis spectroscopy and the results indicate that the mesoporous Co3O4 materials are semiconducting with direct band gaps of 2, 1.385 and 0.38 eV. The gas-sensing performance of the mesoporous Co3O4 was tested towards a series of typical solvents. They demonstrated a good sensing performance towards these vapour with rapid response and high sensitivity at low operating temperature.

Mutational analyses of the TSC1 and TSC2 genes in cases of tuberous sclerosis complex in Chinese Han children

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurogenetic disorder characterized by hamartomas in multiple organs and is caused by a wide spectrum of mutations in 1 of 2 causative genes (TSC1 or TSC2). Here, we present mutational analyses of the TSC1 and TSC2 genes in 4 cases of TSC in Chinese Han children, including 2 familial and 2 sporadic cases, using PCR and DNA sequencing of the entire coding region as well as exon-intron boundaries of these genes. Three mutations were identified in the TSC2 gene. Of these mutations, 2 mutations (c.3312-3313delGA and c.45delT) were novel, and the 3rd mutation (c.5238-5255del) was previously reported in Chinese Han and other populations. These mutations were not present in healthy family members or in 100 unrelated normal controls. The identification of these mutations in this study further expands the spectrum of known TSC2 gene mutations and contributes to prenatal molecular diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing of TSC.

Variations in foliar stable carbon isotopes among functional groups and along environmental gradients in China - a meta-analysis

Variations in foliar stable carbon isotope signatures (δ(13)C) of different plant functional groups (PFGs) and their relationships with environmental factors in China were investigated in this meta-analysis. There were some significant, but small differences in δ(13)C among PFGs categorised by life form (<1‰). Trees (-26.78‰) and shrubs (-26.89‰) had similar mean δ(13)C that were significantly higher than those of herbs (-27.49‰). Evergreen shrubs (-25.82‰) had significantly higher mean δ(13)C than deciduous shrubs (-26.92‰). Perennial herbs (-26.83‰) had significantly higher mean δ(13) C than annual herbs (-27.10‰). Grasses (-26.46‰) had significantly higher mean δ(13)C than forbs (-26.96‰). For pooled data, δ(13)C was significantly and negatively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), while it was significantly and positively correlated with latitude and altitude. There was a threshold value of MAP along the gradients, and δ(13)C did not change significantly with higher rainfall. The δ(13) C of PFGs changed with altitude, suggesting that increases in δ(13)C with altitude cannot be generalised. Differences in δ(13)C between PFGs were generally much <1‰ and therefore insignificant. In contrast, MAP and MAT had relatively large effects on δ(13) C (more than 4‰ between extremes). The δ(13)C of some PFGs responded to environmental gradients in the same manner, while their 'rates' of change were significantly different in some cases. This information could help predict potential changes in the distribution of PFGs in response to future climate change.

Mesenchymal stem cells modified to express interferon-β inhibit the growth of prostate cancer in a mouse model

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) genetically engineered to produce interferon-β (IFN-β) as a gene delivery system to treat prostate cancer in an animal model.

METHODS

To measure the effects on tumour cell growth in vitro, IFN-β-producing MSCs (IFN-β-MSCs) were co-cultured with the prostate cancer cell line PC-3. The in vivo migration of intravenously injected fluorescently-labelled MSCs to healthy tissues and PC-3 xenograft tumours grown in immuno-deficient mice was determined by fluorescence microscopy. The antitumour effects of intravenously injected IFN-β-MSCs on PC-3 xenograft growth and animal survival were also investigated.

RESULTS

IFN-β-MSCs inhibited the growth of PC-3 cells in vitro. Fluorescently-labelled MSCs migrated to the margins and centre of tumour masses but not into healthy tissues. Intravenously injected IFN-β-MSCs significantly reduced PC-3 xenograft tumour weight and increased animal survival compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenously injected IFN-β-MSCs inhibited PC-3 xenograft growth. This could be an effective gene delivery system for treatment of solid human tumours.

Evaluation of sulfur and multi-walled carbon nanotube composite synthesized by dissolution and precipitation for Li/S batteries

An elemental sulfur and multi-walled carbon nanotube (S-MWNT) composite was synthesized by dissolving sulfur in ammonium sulfides and then precipitating on MWNT. Morphology observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that S-MWNT product was successfully prepared by incorporating sulfur into MWNT network. Without additional conducting material, the S-MWNT composite cathodes were prepared for electrochemical tests. The properties measured in discharge-charge cycling test showed that the composite had the initial discharge capacity of 1024 mAh g(-1), which is about 61% sulfur utilization. However, in the subsequent cycling, the capacities faded. To determine the reason of rapid capacity drop, S-MWNT composite cathodes were compared in the cycling tests with varying three kinds of electrolytes and the cathode was subjected to physical force by rolling. The changes in the cycle performances proved that the deterioration of S-MWNT composite cathodes was not related to the electrolytes but to physical bonding that may not maintain the conducting path between sulfur and MWNT.

Cloning, molecular characterization and heterologous expression of a glutathione S-transferase gene in rice

OsGSTL2 is one of three tandem-arranged glutathione S-transferase, lambda class genes in chromosome 3 of rice (Oryza sativa L.). It includes 9 introns and 10 exons, and encodes a protein of 244 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 27.37 kDa. The predicted three-dimensional structure of OsGSTL2 showed a typical glutathione S-transferase fold. Using semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis, OsGSTL2 transcript was detected in the roots and leaves of seedling stage and tillering stage, and the roots, leaves and panicles of heading stage from rice plants, and the expression level of OsGSTL2 mRNA in rice roots show significant change under chlorsulfuron stress. The OsGSTL2 gene was cloned into pYTV vector and was transformed into yeast strain PEP4. Western blot analysis showed the exogenous OsGSTL2 was expressed in transformed yeast. GST activity of crude extracts of yeast showed the OsGSTL2 transgenic yeast had higher levels of GST activities than control yeasts. These findings suggested that the OsGSTL2 is a glutathione S-transferase and has potential use in detoxification.

A novel TSC1 mutation (c.1964delA) in a Chinese patient with tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal-dominant heritable disease caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes. We studied a Chinese patient with sporadic tuberous sclerosis complex. The clinical features of this patient included epilepsy, hypomelanotic macules and angiofibromas on his back; a cranial CT scan showed subependymal nodules along the lateral walls of the lateral ventricles. The TSC1 and TSC2 genes were studied by PCR and direct sequencing of the entire coding region and exon-intron boundaries of these genes. A novel deletion mutation (c.1964delA) in the TSC1 gene exon 15 was identified, which was not present in his parents or 100 unrelated normal controls. This is the first report of this c.1964delA mutation of the TSC1 gene, associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, expanding the spectrum of TSC1 mutations that cause this disease.

Anthelmintic activity of steroidal saponins from Paris polyphylla

The present study was undertaken to investigate the anthelmintic activity of crude extracts and pure compounds from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla. The methanol extract showed a promising anthelmintic activity against Dactylogyrus intermedius (EC(50) value=18.06 mg l(-¹). Based on these finding, the methanol extract was fractionated on silica gel column chromatography in a bioassay-guided fractionation affording two known steroidal saponins showing potent activity, dioscin and polyphyllin D. Both dioscin and polyphyllin D exhibited significant activity against D. intermedius with EC(50) values of 0.44 and 0.70 mg l(-¹), respectively, which were more effective than the positive control, mebendazole (EC(50) value=1.25 mg l(-¹)). The acute toxicities (LC(50)) of dioscin and polyphyllin D for goldfish were 1.37 and 1.08 mg l(-¹), respectively. These results indicated that P. polyphylla extract and the isolated compounds are potential natural agents for the control of Dactylogyrus infestation. This is the first report on in vivo anthelmintic investigation for P. polyphylla.

A novel RUNX2 mutation (T420I) in Chinese patients with cleidocranial dysplasia

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal-dominant heritable skeletal disease caused by heterozygous mutations in the RUNX2 gene. We studied a Chinese family that included three affected individuals with CCD phenotypes; the clinical features of patients with CCD include delayed closure of fontanelles, frontal bossing, dysplasia of clavicles, late tooth eruption, and other skeletal anomalies. X-ray analysis showed aplasia of the clavicles. The RUNX2 gene was studied by PCR and direct sequencing of the entire coding region and the exon-intron boundaries of the gene. A novel missense mutation (c.1259C-->T[p.T420I]) in RUNX2 gene exon 7 was identified; it was found in the affected individuals in this Chinese family, but was not present in an unaffected family member or in 100 unrelated normal controls. This is the first report that gives evidence that the T420I mutation of RUNX2 is associated with CCD, expanding the spectrum of RUNX2 mutations causing CCD.

The anti-glioma effect of suicide gene therapy using BMSC expressing HSV/TK combined with overexpression of Cx43 in glioma cells

The disseminated neoplastic foci of malignant gliomas are essentially responsible for the limited efficacy of current available therapeutic modalities. Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) have the ability to migrate into these tumors and even track infiltrating tumor cells, making them to be promising cellular vehicles for delivering therapeutic agents to glioma cells. The herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) suicide gene therapy with a potent bystander effect has been considered as one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for malignant gliomas. In this study, we evaluate the anti-glioma effect of suicide gene therapy using BMSCs expressing HSV-TK combined with overexpression of connexin 43 (Cx43), which can restore the gap junction of intercellular communication and may enhance the bystander effect of suicide gene therapy. To assess the potential of BMSCs to track glioma cells, a spheroid co-culture system in matrigel was used to show that some BMSCs migrated to C6 glioma cell microspheres. Transwell assay showed the tumor tropic property of BMSCs. In addition, BrdU-labeled BMSCs injected directly into the cerebral hemisphere opposite to the established C6 rat gliomas were capable of migrating into the xenograft gliomas. C6 cell growth was more intensively inhibited by HSV-TK/GCV treatment mediated by BMSCs, and could be further enhanced by combination with Cx43 transfection into glioma cells. The same result was observed in vivo by the growth of C6 gliomas and the survival analysis of rats bearing C6 glioma. In conclusion, Cx43 combined with HSV-TK/GCV gene therapy using BMSCs as vehicles was highly effective in a rat glioma model and therefore hold great potential as a novel approach for the gene therapy of human malignant gliomas.