[Interpretation of global lung cancer statistics]

Lung cancer remains one of the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, posing a significant burden of disease. Tobacco exposure stands as the foremost risk factor for lung cancer. Since the 1960, global efforts have gradually been implemented to control tobacco exposure, consequently reducing tobacco exposure levels within populations. This shift in exposure levels may have altered the epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer globally. This study aims to describe global lung cancer incidence data across five dimensions: age, gender, region, stage at diagnosis, and survival status, using global cancer registry data and relevant research findings. The objective is to elucidate the current epidemiological features of lung cancer worldwide, providing a scientific basis for lung cancer prevention and control. Furthermore, this study offers corresponding measures and recommendations for lung cancer prevention and control, aligning with the three-tiered cancer prevention strategy. Findings indicate that the incidence and mortality burden of lung cancer is significantly higher among the elderly population (aged 65 years and above) compared to the working-age population (aged 15-64 years). The aged-standardized incidence rate of lung cancer remains higher in males than in females, but the overall aged-standardized incidence rate of lung cancer in males shows a declining trend, while that in females shows an increasing trend. Regions with high and very high human development index (HDI) exhibit a substantially higher incidence and mortality burden of lung cancer compared to regions with low and very low HDI. Japan ranks highest in the diagnosis of stage Ⅰ lung cancer, with a diagnosis rate of 38.6%. Its age-standardized 5-year net survival rate is relatively high at 32.9%. Despite improvements in the survival status of lung cancer in certain countries like China and Japan, the overall prognosis for lung cancer remains pessimistic. Given the current epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer, reinforcing tobacco control measures and reducing female-specific lung cancer risk factors stand as significant goals for primary prevention. Promoting low-dose computed tomography screening for high-risk population, minimizing false-positive rates in lung cancer screening, and promoting medical system reforms and standardized treatment constitute principal measures for secondary and tertiary lung cancer prevention, respectively.

Risk assessment of imported malaria in China: a machine learning perspective

BACKGROUND

Following China's official designation as malaria-free country by WHO, the imported malaria has emerged as a significant determinant impacting the malaria reestablishment within China. The objective of this study is to explore the application prospects of machine learning algorithms in imported malaria risk assessment of China.

METHODS

The data of imported malaria cases in China from 2011 to 2019 was provided by China CDC; historical epidemic data of malaria endemic country was obtained from World Malaria Report, and the other data used in this study are open access data. All the data processing and model construction based on R, and map visualization used ArcGIS software.

RESULTS

A total of 27,088 malaria cases imported into China from 85 countries between 2011 and 2019. After data preprocessing and classification, clean dataset has 765 rows (85 * 9) and 11 cols. Six machine learning models was constructed based on the training set, and Random Forest model demonstrated the best performance in model evaluation. According to RF, the highest feature importance were the number of malaria deaths and Indigenous malaria cases. The RF model demonstrated high accuracy in forecasting risk for the year 2019, achieving commendable accuracy rate of 95.3%. This result aligns well with the observed outcomes, indicating the model's reliability in predicting risk levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning algorithms have reliable application prospects in risk assessment of imported malaria in China. This study provides a new methodological reference for the risk assessment and control strategies adjusting of imported malaria in China.

Magnetic Bead-Based Workflow for Sensitive and Streamlined Cell Surface Proteomics

Cell surface proteins represent an important class of molecules for therapeutic targeting and cellular phenotyping. However, their enrichment and detection via mass spectrometry-based proteomics remains challenging due to low abundance, post-translational modifications, hydrophobic regions, and processing requirements. To improve their identification, we optimized a Cell-Surface Capture (CSC) workflow that incorporates magnetic bead-based processing. Using this approach, we evaluated labeling conditions (biotin tags and catalysts), enrichment specificity (streptavidin beads), missed cleavages (lysis buffers), nonenzymatic deamidation (digestion and deglycosylation buffers), and data acquisition methods (DDA, DIA, and TMT). Our findings support the use of alkoxyamine-PEG4-biotin plus 5-methoxy-anthranilic acid, SDS/urea-based lysis buffers, single-pot solid-phased-enhanced sample-preparation (SP3), and streptavidin magnetic beads for maximal surfaceome coverage. Notably, with semiautomated processing, sample handling was simplified and between ∼600 and 900 cell surface N-glycoproteins were identified from only 25-200 μg of HeLa protein. CSC also revealed significant differences between in vitro monolayer cultures and in vivo tumor xenografts of murine CT26 colon adenocarcinoma samples that may aid in target identification for drug development. Overall, the improved efficiency of the magnetic-based CSC workflow identified both previously reported and novel N-glycosites with less material and high reproducibility that should help advance the field of surfaceomics by providing insight in cellular phenotypes not previously documented.

[Current status of global colorectal cancer prevalence, prevention and control]

Objective: This paper provides a brief overview of the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in China and around the world, and discusses how to prevent colorectal cancer to reduce its disease burden. Method: Using the official database of GLOBOCAN 2020, the China Cancer Registry Annual Report compiled by the National Cancer Center, and data from CONCORD-3.Data management was performed by Microsoft Excel 2016 and R 4.2.1 Relevant graphs were generated using the ggplot2 package for result visualization. Result: An estimated 1 931 590 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer worldwide in 2020 with an age-standardized incidence rate of 19.5 per 100 000. There were about 935 173 deaths caused by colorectal cancer internationally, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 9.0 per 100 000. Overall, colorectal cancer was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020. In China, the age-standardized incidence rate and mortality rate of colorectal cancer was 17.3 per 100 000 and 7.8 per 100 000, respectively. Gender differences in trends were observed, with a decreasing trend in incidence and mortality among females and an increasing trend in incidence and mortality among males. The primary risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, genetic factors, gastrointestinal disorders, dietary habits, and lifestyle et al. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer poses a significant burden globally and in China. The occurrence of colorectal cancer is closely related to physiology, genetics, behavioral habits, lifestyle, and disease factors. To better control the colorectal cancer burden with the lowest cost, specific measures should be taken to reduce exposure to established risk factors. By combining the disease prevention and control strategies of tertiary prevention in China with the characteristic factors of colorectal cancer, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer may be effectively controlled.

[Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of schizophrenia in Ningbo, 2018-2022]

Objective: To explore the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of reported incidence of schizophrenia in Ningbo from 2018 to 2022 and to provide a scientific basis for rational allocation of mental health resources and comprehensive prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. Methods: The reported incidence data of schizophrenia from 2018 to 2022 were collected from Ningbo's mental health information management system, and the reported incidence was calculated by township. The spatial correlation analysis and the spatiotemporal scan analysis were used to study the spatiotemporal distribution of schizophrenia. Results: The reported incidence of schizophrenia decreased from 2018 to 2022, with 4 133 new cases reported, and the annual average reported incidence was 9.76/100 000. Global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed positive spatial correlations and hot spots in 2018-2020. The space-time scan analysis showed an incidence cluster in Dongqiao Town, Haishu District, during 2018-2019. The RR was 2.46, and the log-likelihood ratio was 256.89. Conclusions: The reported incidence of schizophrenia in Ningbo has obvious temporal and spatial aggregation, and the high incidence area explored can provide clues for further research on the correlation between environmental factors and the incidence of schizophrenia and has certain guiding significance for the rational allocation of mental health resources in Ningbo.

[Epidemiological investigation on the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-Tech Zone caused by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant]

This study collected epidemic data of COVID-19 in Zhengzhou from January 1 to January 20 in 2022. The epidemiological characteristics of the local epidemic in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were analyzed through epidemiological survey and big data analysis, which could provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of the Delta variant. In detail, a total of 276 close contacts and 599 secondary close contacts were found in this study. The attack rate of close contacts and secondary close contacts was 5.43% (15/276) and 0.17% (1/599), respectively. There were 10 confirmed cases associated with the chain of transmission. Among them, the attack rates in close contacts of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth generation cases were 20.00% (5/25), 17.86% (5/28), 0.72% (1/139) and 14.81% (4/27), 0 (0/57), respectively. The attack rates in close contacts after sharing rooms/beds, having meals, having neighbor contacts, sharing vehicles with the patients, having same space contacts, and having work contacts were 26.67%, 9.10%, 8.33%, 4.55%, 1.43%, and 0 respectively. Collectively, the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone has an obvious family cluster. Prevention and control work should focus on decreasing family clusters of cases and community transmission.

[Perioperative management and complication control of Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy in children with syndromic craniosynostosis]

Objective: To summarize the preliminary efficacy, perioperative management and complications of Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy and midface distraction in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis by retrospective analysis, and to provide clinical experience for reference. Methods: From October 2017 to January 2020, 20 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis underwent Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy and distraction in The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Peking University International Hospital, including 11 males and 9 females, were involved. The median age was 7 years (1.5 to 15 years). Preoperative risk prevention plan was put forward by multidisciplinary evaluation, and preoperative intervention was carried out. The diagnostic data of SNA, airway volume, polysomnography (PSG), ophthalmology and occlusal relationship were obtained through specialized examination, and osteotomy and distraction surgical plan was formulated through virtual surgical planning. CT was taken 1 week and 3, 6, 12 months after operation, PSG and eye protrudence examination were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect, syndrome type, multiple disciplinary treatment (MDT) intervention, occurrence and outcome of complications were summarized. Results: There were 15 cases of Crouzon syndrome and 5 cases of Pfeiffer syndrome. Sleep apnea was the first complaint in 18 cases and exophthalmia in 2 cases. Preoperative interventional therapy included 4 cases of adenoid surgery, 2 cases of continuous positive airway pressure and 2 cases of maxillary expansion. The most common surgical complications were accidental fracture (14/20 cases, 70%), cerebrospinal fluid fistula (2 cases), internal carotid cavernous sinus fistula (1 case), postoperative hyponatraemia (5 cases), crying syndrome (2 cases), wound infection (2 cases), trichiasis of lower eyelid (4 cases), and nasal malformation (1 case). Three cases underwent unplanned secondary surgery. SNA, airway volume and mean percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) six months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (F=10.09, P=0.001; F=5.13, P<0.001; F=10.78, P=0.001), and the protrusion and apnea hypopnea index were significantly lower than those before surgery (F=6.73, P=0.010; F=18.47, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in SNA, airway volume, mean SpO₂, ophthalmology between 6 months after surgery and 1 year after surgery (P>0.05). Conclusions: Perioperative safety assessment and early intervention of MDT is an effective diagnosis and treatment model of Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy and distraction for syndromic craniosynosis. The operative complications are mainly local, and systemic complications are controllable.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Amyloid Typing Using Manual Microdissection and Open-Source Data Processing

OBJECTIVES

Standard implementations of amyloid typing by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry use capabilities unavailable to most clinical laboratories. To improve accessibility of this testing, we explored easier approaches to tissue sampling and data processing.

METHODS

We validated a typing method using manual sampling in place of laser microdissection, pairing the technique with a semiquantitative measure of sampling adequacy. In addition, we created an open-source data processing workflow (Crux Pipeline) for clinical users.

RESULTS

Cases of amyloidosis spanning the major types were distinguishable with 100% specificity using measurements of individual amyloidogenic proteins or in combination with the ratio of λ and κ constant regions. Crux Pipeline allowed for rapid, batched data processing, integrating the steps of peptide identification, statistical confidence estimation, and label-free protein quantification.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate mass spectrometry-based amyloid typing is possible without laser microdissection. To facilitate entry into solid tissue proteomics, newcomers can leverage manual sampling approaches in combination with Crux Pipeline and related tools.

[Influence of female age on the fresh cycle live birth rate of different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols in poor ovarian response patients]

Objective: To investigate the influence of age on the fresh cycle live birth rate in patients with poor ovarian response in different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups. Methods: The clinical data of 3 342 patients in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2014 to November 2018 were retrospectively collected, including early-follicular phase long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long protocol group (1 375 cases), mid-luteal phase short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group (1 161 cases) and GnRH antagonist protocol group (806 cases); each group was divided into 4 subgroups according to age: ≤30 years, 31－35 years, 36－40 years and >40 years, the pregnancy outcomes in each age subgroup were analyzed under different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols. Results: In early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group, the final live birth rates of each age subgroup were 39.4% (228/579), 36.1% (135/374), 16.6% (48/290) and 3.0% (4/132); in mid-luteal phase short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group, live birth rates of each age subgroup were 32.1% (99/308), 20.8% (55/264), 13.0% (45/346) and 7.0% (17/243); in GnRH antagonist protocol group, live birth rates of each age subgroup were 22.8% (26/114), 16.3% (25/153), 11.2% (31/278), and 3.8% (10/261); the live birth rate of each group decreased significantly with the increase of age (all P<0.01). When the age≤35 years old, the fresh cycle live birth rate of the early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group was significantly better than those of the other two groups (all P<0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis of age and live birth rate of the three controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups showed age was the independent influence factor (OR=0.898, 95%CI: 0.873-0.916, P<0.01; OR=0.926, 95%CI: 0.890-0.996, P<0.01; OR=0.901, 95%CI: 0.863-0.960, P<0.01). Conclusions: Age is an independent influencing factor for the prediction of fresh cycle live birth rate in low ovarian response patients. No matter which controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol is adopted, the final live birth rate decreases significantly with the increase of women's age. In addition, the early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol has the highest fresh cycle live birth rate among all controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups.

[Analysis on monitoring results of individual dose of occupational external radiation among radiation workers in Lanzhou in 2019]

Objective: To analyze the individual dose level of occupational external radiation of radiation workers in Lanzhou in 2019, so as to provide reference for radiation protection and occupational health management. Methods: In April 2020, a total of 1460 radiation workers in Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019 were selected as the research objects. The unit nature, hospital level and occupational category of the monitored workers were collected, and the monitoring results of external radiation personal dose in 2019 were analyzed and compared. Results: In the occupational external radiation monitoring of radiation workers in Lanzhou in 2019, the effective dose of 48 persons was 1.0~<5.0 mSv, the effective dose of 2 persons was 5.0~<10.0 mSv, the annual collective effective dose was 308.21 people·mSv, and the average annual effective dose of monitored persons was 0.21 mSv/a. There was significant difference in the distribution of annual effective dose per capita among different occupational groups (H=34.43, P<0.05) . The annual effective dose per capita of nuclear medicine personnel was higher (0.56 mSv/a) , followed by interventional radiology (0.33 mSv/a) . The ratio of annual collective dose to total annual collective dose with annual individual dose more than 5 mSv (SR(5)) and the ratio of the number of staff with annual individual dose more than 1mSv to the total number of monitored personnel (NR(1)) were higher in nuclear medicine and interventional radiology personnel. The average annual effective dose distribution of diagnostic radiologists in different level hospitals was statistically significant (H=16.46, P<0.05) . The average annual effective dose in private hospitals, community hospitals and health centers was higher (0.32 mSv) , followed by county hospitals (0.23 mSv) . Conclusion: The individual dose of occupational external radiation of radiation workers in Lanzhou is generally low, and the annual effective dose of nuclear medicine and interventional radiology workers is high. The management of radiation protection should be emphasis on this people. And it is suggested to strengthen the supervision of private hospitals and update and maintain the equipment of community health centers.

[Research progress of liposome drug delivery system in stomatology]

Liposomes are spherical vesicles with bilayer membrane structure spontaneously formed by phospholipids dispersed in an aqueous medium. Liposomes are excellent drug carrier with amphiphilic properties. Liposomes have good biocompatibility, biodegradability and no immunogenicity. Liposomes can achieve the delivery of the drug, enhance the solubility, improve the stability, reduce the toxic effect of the drug, and improve the therapeutic effect of the loaded drug. In recent years, liposome drug delivery systems have been widely used in dentistry. This article reviews the application of liposome drug delivery systems in caries, dental pulp diseases, periodontitis, implantation, oral anesthesia and oral candidiasis.

[The effect of endocapillary hypercellularity lesions on the renal prognosis and response to immunosuppressive therapy in IgA nephropathy]

In this retrospective cohort study, we aim to evaluate the effect of endocapillary hypercellularity (E) lesions on the renal prognosis and response to immunosuppressive therapy, especially diffuse endocapillary hypercellularity lesion in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). A total of 365 patients with IgAN and E lesions and 31 patients with diffuse E lesions and over 12-month follow-up period were included in this study. We performed an 1∶1 propensity score to identify controls with matched clinical and pathological features from 769 IgAN patients without E lesions. The end-point was defined as a 30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage kidney disease. The kidney survival of the two groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. During median follow-up period of 41 months, kidney survival rates in patients with E lesions were 96.0% at 1 year, 83.6% at 3 years, 67.7% at 5 years; while they were 96.9% at 1 year, 83.6% at 3 years, and 68.7% at 5 years in patients without E lesions (P=0.265).The HR of immunosuppressive therapy was 1.038 (95%CI 0.749-1.440) and 1.113 (95%CI 0.770-1.609) in patients not receiving immunosuppressive therapy (P=0.781). (2) During median follow-up period of 52.5 months, the kidney survival rates in patients with diffuse E-lesion were 100.0% at 1 year, 96.2% at 3 years, 74.5% at 5 years; while they were 96.2% at 1 year, 82.3% at 3 years, and 63.7% at 5 years in patients without E-lesion (P=0.158). The HR of immunosuppressive therapy was 0.625 (95%CI 0.213-1.839) and 0.447 (95%CI 0.028-7.191) in patients not receiving immunosuppressive therapy (P=0.825). E lesion or diffuse E lesion may not be associated with prognosis or response to immunosuppressive therapy.

[Preliminary analysis on COVID-19 case spectrum and spread intensity in different provinces in China except Hubei province]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of COVID-19 case spectrum and spread intensity in different provinces in China except Hubei province. Methods: The daily incidence data and case information of COVID-19 were collected from the official websites of provincial and municipal health commissions. The morbidity rate, severity rate, case-fatality rate, and spread ratio of COVID-19 were calculated. Results: As of 20 March, 2020, a total of 12 941 cases of COVID-19 had been conformed, including 116 deaths, and the average morbidity rate, severity rate and case-fatality rate were 0.97/100 000, 13.5% and 0.90%, respectively. The morbidity rates in Zhejiang (2.12/100 000), Jiangxi (2.01/100 000) and Beijing (1.93/100 000) ranked top three. The characteristics of COVID-19 case spectrum varied from province to province. The first three provinces (autonomous region, municipality) with high severity rates were Tianjin (45.6%), Xinjiang (35.5%) and Heilongjiang (29.5%). The case-fatality rate was highest in Xinjiang (3.95%), followed by Hainan (3.57%) and Heilongjiang (2.70%). The average spread ratio was 0.98 and the spread intensity varied from province to province. Tibet had the lowest spread ratio (0), followed by Qinghai (0.20) and Guangdong (0.23). Conclusion: The intervention measures were effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and improved treatment effect in China. However, there were significant differences among different regions in severity, case-fatality rate and spread ratio.

Automated Measurements of Key Morphological Features of Human Embryos for IVF

A major challenge in clinical In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is selecting the highest quality embryo to transfer to the patient in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy. Time-lapse microscopy provides clinicians with a wealth of information for selecting embryos. However, the resulting movies of embryos are currently analyzed manually, which is time consuming and subjective. Here, we automate feature extraction of time-lapse microscopy of human embryos with a machine-learning pipeline of five convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Our pipeline consists of (1) semantic segmentation of the regions of the embryo, (2) regression predictions of fragment severity, (3) classification of the developmental stage, and object instance segmentation of (4) cells and (5) pronuclei. Our approach greatly speeds up the measurement of quantitative, biologically relevant features that may aid in embryo selection.

[Analysis on the epidemic factors for COVID-19]

As a new infectious disease, the epidemic process of COVID-19 has a series of special influencing factors and conditions. In this paper, some obvious characteristics of this widespread epidemic are discussed, including the new pathogen making people feel confused, the slow onset bringing confusion to the clinic, the miscellaneous source of infection also causing confusion to prevention and control work, the easy route of transmissions leading to a sharp increase of confirmed cases, the high susceptibility of the population leading to a high incidence, and the natural epidemic process coupled with the complexity of natural factors and the superposition of social factors. The positive and effective prevention and control strategies and measures adopted by China have greatly changed the natural epidemic process and trajectory of this epidemic, which has been highly affirmed by the expert group of the World Health Organization and praised by many countries and international organizations. However, to sum up carefully and think deeply, it will be a long-term and arduous work to plan and realize public health security in China and even the world in the future.

[The preliminary analysis on the characteristics of the cluster for the COVID-19]

Since December 2019, COVID-19, a new emerging infection disease, has spread in 27 countries and regions. The clusters of many cases were reported with the epidemic progresses. We collected currently available information for 377 COVID-19 clusters (1 719 cases), excluded the hospital clusters and Hubei cases, during the period from January 1 to February 20, 2020. There were 297 family clusters (79%), case median was 4; 39 clusters of dining (10%), case median was 5; 23 clusters of shopping malls or supermarkets (6%), case median was 13; 12 clusters of work units (3%), case median was 6, and 6 clusters of transportation. We selected 325 cases to estimate the incubation period and its range was 1 to 20 days, median was 7 days, and mode was 4 days. The analysis of the epidemic situation in a department store in China indicated that there was a possibility of patients as the source of infection during the incubation period of the epidemic. From February 5 to 21, 2020, 634 persons were infected on the Diamond Princess Liner. All persons are susceptible to the 2019 coronavirus. Age, patients during the incubation period and the worse environment might be the cause of the cases rising. The progress of the two typical outbreaks clearly demonstrated the spread of the early cases in Wuhan. In conclusion, screening and isolating close contacts remained essential other than clinical treatment during the epidemic. Especially for the healthy people in the epidemic area, isolation was the key.

[Cloning and sequence analysis of leptin receptor overlapping transcript-like 1 gene from Dermatophagoides farinae]

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the leptin receptor overlapping transcript-like 1 encoding gene (LepROTL1 gene) from Dermatophagoides farina, investigate the molecular characteristics of the gene and construct a prokaryotic expression vector to express this gene.

METHODS

The LepROTL1 gene-encoding sequence fragments were captured based on the transcriptome sequencing results, and the full-length gene fragments were amplified from total RNA of D. farinae using a RT-PCR assay, and used to construct the expression plasmid pET28a(+)-LepROTL1, followed by sequencing. The plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) T1R for the induction of IPTG expression. The expression product was characterized by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to analyze the sequence and the molecular characteristics of its encoded protein.

RESULTS

The amplification products of the RT-PCR assay showed a clear band on agarose gel electrophoresis, and sequencing analysis of the pET28a(+)-LepROTL1 plasmid showed 417 bp in length of the coding gene from the start codon ATG to the termination codon TAA. Following the plasmid transformation into E. coli and induction with IPTG, a specific band was seen on SDS-PAGE, indicating successful expression. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the LepROTL1 gene-encoded protein was composed of 134 amino acids, and had a relative molecular weight of 14 378.13 Da, a hydrophilicity index of 1.149, and certain hydrophobicity. The secondary structure was composed of alpha-helix (19 aa, 14.18%), extended strand (48 aa, 35.82%) and random coil (67 aa, 50.00%). The deduced amino acid sequence was used to obtain homologous genes by BLAST, and the phylogenetic tree showed that D. farinae was clustered with D. pteronyssinus.

CONCLUSIONS

The full-length sequences and expression plasmid of the LepROTL1 gene are obtained, and the molecular features of the gene are demonstrated using bioinformatics analyses, which provide insights into further studies on the gene.

Matrix-Matched Calibration Curves for Assessing Analytical Figures of Merit in Quantitative Proteomics

Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for quantifying protein abundance in complex samples. Advances in sample preparation and the development of data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry approaches have increased the number of peptides and proteins measured per sample. Here, we present a series of experiments demonstrating how to assess whether a peptide measurement is quantitative by mass spectrometry. Our results demonstrate that increasing the number of detected peptides in a proteomics experiment does not necessarily result in increased numbers of peptides that can be measured quantitatively.

Team COUNCIL OF RICKS submission for EUPA YPIC 2017

Using primarily LC-MS/MS de novo sequencing techniques, we concluded that the peptides form the following sentence from Sir JJ Thomson’s preface to Rays of Positive Electricity and Their Application to Chemical Analyses:

“I feel sure that there are many problems in chemistry which could be solved with far greater ease by this than by any other method. The method is surprisingly sensitive, more so even than that of spectrum analysis, requires an infinitesimal amount of material, and does not require this to be specially purified.”

Here, we detail our process for deciphering the peptide mixture composition and finding the sentence they form and from what book the sentence comes from.

[Long-term efficacy analysis of laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty for high and middle imperforate anus]

Objective: To explore the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty and conventional anorectoplasty in the treatment of children with high and middle anal atresia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was used. Inclusion criteria: (1) children with high and middle anal atresia; (2) complicated with rectourethral or rectovesical fistula; (3) complete follow-up data. Exclusion criteria: (1) complicated with 21-trisomy; (2) cerebral palsy and other mentaldisabilities; (3) Currarino syndrome; (4) FG syndrome. Clinical data of 88 patients with middle and high anal atresia, who complicated with rectourethral fistula or rectovesical fistula, and underwent anoplasty at Department of Pediatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2009 to June 2014 were enrolled in the study and analyzed. There were 24 cases with middle atresia and 64 cases with high atresia. All the cases were divided into 2 groups based on the operative method: laparoscopic group (laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty, 49 cases), pena group (posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, 39 cases). The demographic features of two groups were comparable. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, body mass, classification of anomaly types and sacral ratio (all P>0.05). Student t test and Chi square tests were used to compare the surgical conditions (operative time, postoperative hospital stay and complications), anal function (Kelly score), constipation (Krickenbeck constipation score) and anorectal pressure. Results: Children of both groups all completed operation ssuccessfully. There were no statistically significant differences between laparoscopic group and pena group in the operative time [(120±31) minutes vs. (112±23) minutes, t=1.343, P=0.091] and postoperative hospital stay [(7.1±2.3) days vs. (10.7±3.3) days, t=6.021, P=1.000]. Complications were more common in the pena group [16.3% (8/49) vs. 35.9% (14/39), χ(2)=4.436, P=0.035]. The main complications in laparoscopic group were anal prolapse (8.2%, 4/49) and anal stenosis (6.2%, 3/49), while in pena group were anal stenosis (12.8%, 5/39) and perioperative perianal skin erosion (10.3%, 4/39). As for the anal function, the degree of feces, defecation control and sphincter contractility, the single scoring differences of Kelly scoring system were not statistically significant between the two groups, but the proportion of good function in the laparoscopic group was higher than that in the pena group [67.3% (8/49) vs. 38.5% (15/39), χ(2)=7.308, P=0.007]. Constipation occurred in 6 (12.2%) patients in the laparoscopic group, of whom 5 were improved by diet regulation and 1 required laxatives, while 9 (23.1%) patients developed constipation in the pena group, of whom 4 were improved by diet regulation and 5 required long-term laxatives. The difference of constipation ratio was not statistically significant (χ(2)=1.802, P=0.180). There were no cases of Krickenbeck constipation grade 3. Compared to the pena group, the laparoscopic group had higher anal resting pressure [(33.35±9.69) mmHg vs. (27.68±10.74) mmHg, t=2.599, P=0.011], higher dilating pressure [(9.00±5.61) mmHg vs.(6.51±3.24) mmHg, t=2.462, P=0.016], higher maximal squeeze pressure [(65.80±17.23) mmHg vs. (56.74±18.93) mmHg, t=2.389, P=0.019] and longer maximal contraction time [(21.16±5.02) seconds vs. (18.44±7.24) seconds, t=2.079, P=0.041]. The rectal resting pressure [(5.36±3.00) mmHg vs. (4.61±3.93) mmHg, t=1.015, P=0.312] was not statistically significantly different. Conclusions: Compared with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty in the treatment of high and middle anal atresia has better long-term efficacy with less perioperative complications.

[Clinical study on topography-guided laser ablation combined with accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking for early keratoconus]

Objective: To study the safety and efficacy of topography-guided customized excimer laser subepithelial ablation combined with accelerated collagen cross-linking technique in treatment of early keratoconus. Methods: Ninteen patients(20 eyes) (13 males 14 eyes, and 6 females 6 eyes), aged 12 to 44 years (24.7±8.0) were diagnosed as keratoconus by three-dimensional corneal topography and tomography, clinical history and examinations, and classified as KC1~KC3. Based on the classical excimer laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) method, topography guided laser ablation was performed with an excimer laser system (WaveLight EX500). After laser ablation, the corneal stromal bed was immersed with 0.1% riboflavin for 10 minutes, and then was irradiated by ultraviolet light (Avedro KXL) at 30 mW/cm(2) for 4 minutes. All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), diopter, best corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), corneal topography, central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), hexagonal cell percentage (HEX), coefficient of variation (CV) and other indicators were observed. For normal distribution variables, Dunnett-t test was used before and after operation, and Wilcoxon test was used for variables with abnormal distribution. And the complications were recorded. Results: There was no loss of BSCVA at 12 months postoperatively, 20% of the eyes had no change of BSCVA, and 15% of the eyes gained 1 line of BSCVA, 15% of the eyes gained 2 lines of BSCVA, 50% of the eyes gained 3 lines and more of BSCVA. There was no significant difference in UCVA, BSCVA, manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) and the cylinder at 3 months postoperatively (P>0.05). The BSCVA were significantly improved at 6 and 12 months postoperatively compared with those before operation (t=3.095, 3.079, <0.05). Although there was no significant difference in UCVA and MRSE, the cylinder was significantly reduced at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (t=-2.890, -2.435, P<0.05). Apex curvature (Kapex) and mean pupil power (MPP) within 4.5mm of central cornea decreased significantly (Z=-2.903, P<0.01; Z=-2.667, P<0.01). Even though the thinnest corneal thickness decreased from pre-operational (461.9±31.1) μm to post-operational (416.6±27.0) μm (Z=-3.059, P<0.01), the cornea became regular with keratometric asymmetry index of anterior corneal surface decreased (Z=-2.667, P<0.01). The corneal optical quality parameters were improved. There was no significant difference in ECD, HEX and CV at 12 months postoperatively (P>0.05). Twelve months after operation, grade 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 haze were seen on 20%, 55%, 20% and 5% corneas respectively. Conclusions: The topography guided excimer laser ablation combined with accelerated corneal collagen cross linking is safe and effective in treatment of early stage keratoconus. It can significantly improve corneal regularity while preventing keratoconus progression, so as to improve the best corrected visual acuity postoperatively. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 904-910).

TNF-α Suppresses Autophagic Flux in Acinar Cells in IgG4-Related Sialadenitis

IgG4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) is a newly recognized immune-mediated systemic fibroinflammatory disease that affects salivary glands and leads to hyposalivation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a critical proinflammatory cytokine involved in several salivary gland disorders, but its role and mechanism regarding acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS are unknown. Here, we found that TNF-α level was significantly increased in serum and submandibular gland (SMG) of patients and that serum TNF-α level was negatively correlated with saliva flow rate. Ultrastructural observations of IgG4-RS SMGs revealed accumulation of large autophagic vacuoles, as well as dense fibrous bundles, decreased secretory granules, widened intercellular spaces, swollen mitochondria, and expanded endoplasmic reticulum. Expression levels of LC3 and p62 were both increased in patients' SMGs. TNF-α treatment led to elevated levels of LC3II and p62 in both SMG-C6 cells and cultured human SMG tissues but did not further increase their levels when combined with bafilomycin A1 treatment. Moreover, transfection of Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B in SMG-C6 cells confirmed the suppression of autophagic flux after TNF-α treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging revealed that costaining of LC3 and the lysosomal marker LAMP2 was significantly decreased in patients, TNF-α-treated SMG-C6 cells, and cultured human SMGs, indicating a reduction in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Furthermore, the ratio of pro/mature cathepsin D was elevated in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. TNF-α also appeared to induce abnormal acidification of lysosomes in acinar cells, as assessed by lysosomal pH and LysoTracker DND-26 fluorescence intensity. In addition, TNF-α treatment induced transcription factor EB (TFEB) redistribution in SMG-C6 cells, which was consistent with the changes observed in IgG4-RS patients. TNF-α increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by U0126 reversed TNF-α-induced TFEB redistribution, lysosomal dysfunction, and autophagic flux suppression. These findings suggest that TNF-α is a key cytokine related to acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS through ERK1/2-mediated autophagic flux suppression.

[Preliminary application of three-dimensional printing in dental education]

As one of the rapid prototyping technology, three-dimensional (3D) printing is booming since its birth. 3D printing has already been applied in biomedical engineering, medical mold processing and many healthcare fields, but its application in dental education is still in the exploratory stage. Nowadays, educators are seeking to integrate 3D printing and dental education. On the basis of the advantages of 3D printing, the quality of dental education will be further improved and students' enthusiasm for learning will be stimulated. This article will focus on elaborating the recent advances of 3D printing in dental education and exploring its direction in the field of teaching.

[Clinical evaluation of dry chemical enzyme method for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae and analysis of external quality assessment results]

Objective:Neisseria gonorrhoeae in female cervix sample was detected by dry chemical enzymatic method and culture method. The detection effects of two detection methods were analyzed to provide reference for clinical detection. At the same time, strains were separated and identified to evaluate reliability of different methods. Methods: During October 2015 to December 2017, 8 860 samples of female cervix from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Provincial Peoples Hospital were detected by dry chemical enzymatic method and culture method. Because of the possible leak detection by culture method, the inconsistent results were supplemented by real-time PCR assay. The data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0. Fifteen strains of external quality assessment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae identification and validation during 2015 to 2017 years were identified by latex chromatography, culture method, dry chemical enzyme method and PCR- fluorescent probe method. Results: The positive rates of dry chemical enzymatic method and culture method for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were 0.88% (78/8 860) and 0.41% (36/8 860), respectively. Among these, 26 samples were tested positive by dry chemical enzymatic method which were consistent with real-time PCR assay. Meanwhile, the culture method was negative. Dry chemistry enzyme method external quality assessment results of 3 years were accurate. Conclusion: The positive rate of dry chemical enzymatic method was markedly higher than that of culture method (P<0.05). The dry chemical enzymatic method, while exhibiting a high specificity, had high detection rate compared to culture method. And external quality assessment results are accurate. The clinical coincidence rate of dry chemical enzymatic detection was higher.

[ORAI1 variation induced combined immunodeficiency: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To summarize the clinical manifestations and gene variations of combined immunodeficiency caused by ORAI1 variation with a case report and literature review. Methods: The clinical data of the patient who was diagnosed with ORAI1 variation caused combined immunodeficiency in the Department of Pediatrics in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in February 2018 were extracted and analyzed. The literature till August 2018 was searched with key words of 'ORAI1', and 'immunodeficiency' in both English and Chinese in the database of China national knowledge infrast ructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Pubmed. Results: The patient was a 15 months old girl with acute onset of bilateral ptosis after upper respiratory tract infection, which was rapidly progressed to systemic myasthenia and accompanied with recurrent respiratory tract infection during the treatment. The patient poorly to responded immunomodulatory therapy and anti-infection therapy. Laboratory tests demonstrated decreased complement C3 and NK cell (CD3(-)CD56(+)), increased anti-thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase antibody and B lymphocyte (CD3(-)CD19(+)), and slightly increased anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. Genetic analysis showed the homozygous variation of ORAI1 gene exon l c.12 G>T (p.E4D), with heterozygostty of both parents. There were only 4 papers reporting this disease in the literature review. A total of 7 patients with ORAI1 gene variation were reported, including 3 homozygous variations, 2 heterozygous variations and 2 complex heterozygous variations. The clinical manifestations included early onset recurrent infection, congenital hypotonia, elevated serum IgA and IgM, decreased NK cells, and family history of hereditary diseases. Four of the 7 reported cases died of pulmonary infection and sepsis, and the other 3 survived with low muscular tone and poor self-care ability. Conclusions: The most common clinical manifestations of ORAI1 variation caused combined immunodeficiency are recurrent infection and congenital hypotonia. Myasthenia induced recurrent respiratory tract infection is an important factor of poor prognosis in severe patients. There is a lack of effective treatment for this disease, and the prognosis is poor.

[Identification and evaluation on methods with upstream flank sequences of CRISPR1, regarding Escherichia coli and Shigella]

Objective: To analyze the effect of the identification and evaluation of Escherichia (E.) coli and Shigella, based on the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1. Methods: Both CRISPR and cas sequences were obtained through the BLAST with repeating sequences against the publicly complete genome in GenBank that related to E. coli and Shigella. Clustal X was used to perform multi-sequences alignment of the flanking sequences. PCR method was used to amplify the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1 in order to appraise the effect of identification and evaluation of upstream flanking sequences on E. coli and Shigella, which were based on the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1. Results: The results showed that 73.4% of the strains containing the I-E CRISPR/Cas that belonged to the phylogroups A, B1, D while 8.4% strains carried the I-F CRISPR/Cas. Another 17.2% of the strains owned CRISPR3-4 (non-CRISPR/Cas) only belonged to the phylogroups B2. All the Shigella strains carried I-E CRISPR/Cas. More than 99% of similarity the CRISPR1 upstream-flanking sequences was seen in E. coli (except B2) and Shigella and E. coli (B2). Both sensitivity and specificity were greater than 91% after PCR amplification in the region to identify the E.coli and Shigella. Conclusion: The upstream of CRISPR1 could achieve a preliminary identification effect on E.coli and Shigella.

[A family with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome due to SLC16A2 gene mutation]

Objective: To report a family diagnosed with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) due to SLC16A2 gene mutation and to summarize the phenotypes, genotypes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Methods: The clinical features of a family of AHDS diagnosed in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in November 2017 were analyzed. Related literature was searched at Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang database (from the establishment of databases to June 2018) by using "Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome" , and "AHDS" as keywords and the case reports from April 2013 to June 2018 were reviewed. Results: The proband was a boy aged 8 months who presented with global developmental retardation, inability to hold up the head, disability to sit independently or grab, no language development, elongated face, big ears, esotropia, scoliosis, hypotonia in the trunk, hypertonia in extremities, and hyperreflexia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed widening of the extracerebral space and delayed myelination. Thyroid function tests revealed increased FT3, decreased FT4 and normal TSH. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed the SLC16A2 gene c.431-1 (IVS1) G>C hemizygous mutation. The infant's mother and grandmother are carriers, but whose father had no related mutation. One uncle from maternal side had severe psychomotor retardation as well as dystonia and died at one year of age with unknown etiology. A total of 97 articles were retrieved in which 19 case reports were reviewed. Forty-two cases (22 from 8 families and 20 sporadic) were reported. Among these 42 cases (all males), all of them presented with moderate to severe cognitive dysfunction, 15 with seizures; 36 were bedridden, only 4 could walk; 31 had no language development, 2 could speak sentences, 4 could speak few words, 1 had babbling sounds. Furthermore,16 had microcephaly, 18 had facial dysmorphism, 6 had esotropia, 2 had hearing loss,14 had scoliosis, 11 had joint contracture, 30 had low body weight/muscle wasting, 37 had hypotonia in trunk or extremities, 32 had progressive spastic paraplegia or hypertonia. In terms of thyroid function, 33 had abnormal results, within whom 30 had increased T3, 25 had decreased T4 and 3 had increased TSH. Brain MRI showed delayed myelination in 22 cases, within which one normalized with development. Genetic tests showed that 31 had missense mutation (14 sporadic), 5 had deletion mutation (3 sporadic, and 1 due to frameshift mutation), 5 had insertion mutation (2 sporadic), and 1 had repeated mutation. The prognosis was poor as patients often died of recurrent respiratory tract infection. Conclusions: The main clinical manifestations of AHDS are severe global developmental retardation, hypotonia, spastic paraplegia, abnormal serum levels of thyroid hormone and delayed brain myelination. SLC16A2 c. 431-1 (IVS1) G > C mutation is accountable for this disease.

Cost-effectiveness of health coaching and financial incentives to promote physical activity after total knee replacement

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of Telephonic Health Coaching and Financial Incentives (THC + FI) to promote physical activity in total knee replacement recipients.

DESIGN

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model, a computer simulation of knee osteoarthritis, to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of THC + FI compared to usual care. We derived transition probabilities, utilities, and costs from trial data. We conducted lifetime analyses from the healthcare perspective and discounted all cost-effectiveness outcomes by 3% annually. The primary outcome was the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER), defined as the ratio of the differences in costs and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) between strategies. We considered ICERs <$100,000/QALY to be cost-effective. We conducted one-way sensitivity analyses that varied parameters across their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and limited the efficacy of THC + FI to 1 year or to 9 months. We also conducted a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), simultaneously varying cost, utilities, and transition probabilities.

RESULTS

THC + FI had an ICER of $57,200/QALY in the base case and an ICER below $100,000/QALY in most deterministic sensitivity analyses. THC + FI cost-effectiveness depended on assumptions about long-term efficacy; when efficacy was limited to 1 year or to 9 months, the ICER was $93,300/QALY or $121,800/QALY, respectively. In the PSA, THC + FI had an ICER below $100,000/QALY in 70% of iterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on currently available information, THC + FI might be a cost-effective alternative to usual care. However, the uncertainty surrounding this choice is considerable, and further research to reduce this uncertainty may be economically justified.

[Surgical technique and outcomes of uteri retrieval from brain-dead multi-organ donors: a preclinical research of human uterine transplantation]

Objective: To evaluate the surgical technique and outcomes of uteri retrieval from brain-dead multi-organ donors.This study is a preclinical research of human living uterine transplantation. Methods: From May, 2015 to May, 2017, four uteri retrieval procedures, characterized with radical hysterectomy and uterine vascular pedicles dissection, were performed in multi-organ brain-dead donors.The uterus was the third authorized organ after the kidney and liver retrieval procedures in the first two cases.The uterine pedicles included the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, the upper one-third of the vagina and internal iliac vessels or external iliac vessels.The perfusion of the uterus was conducted after the retrieval for evaluating the availability, followed by histopathological examination of the uterine issues per 30 minutes. Results: Since the uterine vein was quite difficult to identify and dissect in the first two case, which result in the rupture of triple uterine veins.Therefore, the uterine venous vessels including uterine vein connected with internal iliac vein and internal iliac arteries were selected as vascular grafts and dissected successfully in the last two cases, which could be perfused with the mixture of 4 ℃ heparinized physiological saline through each artery because of shortening the surgical time and arranging the uterine procurement as the first authorized organ procedure.Mean (SD) operative time was 152.5±39.0 min (115-215 min, n=4). Conclusion: Our preliminary experience indicated that the uterus could be retrieved from the brain-dead multi-organ donors and transplanted to the recipient.The attempt of skeletonizing the uterine veins should be replaced by dissection of internal iliac vein.

Vertical fast electron bremsstrahlung diagnostic on J-TEXT tokamak

Fast electron bremsstrahlung (FEB) emission during Ohmic discharge experiments on the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT) has been measured by a recently developed vertical multi-channel FEB diagnostic based on CdZnTe detectors. There are 5 sight lines to observe the vertical emission of fast electrons at the high-field side with a spatial resolution of 5 cm. The FEB emission in the energy range of 30-300 keV can be measured. The generation of fast electrons accelerated by loop voltage has been confirmed during the early phase of discharge by analyzing the signals of FEB emission. The runaway electron beam instabilities have been observed with the FEB diagnostic on J-TEXT.

Long non-coding RNA CRNDE may be associated with poor prognosis by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of cervical cancer cells through targeting PI3K/AKT

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are attracting more and more attention from researchers because they are relatively new factors in regulating biological processes in human cancers. The Colorectal Neoplasia Differentially Expressed (CRNDE) lncRNA is transcribed from chromosome 16 on the opposite strand to the neighboring IRX5 gene. It was originally discovered abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and was certified a critical biomarker in many cancers. However, its biological function and mechanism underlying the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer still require exploration. This study confirmed that CRNDE is markedly up-regulated in clinical tissues and cell lines of cervical cancer. The high expression of CRNDE positively correlates with advanced FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, the overall survival rate in the group with highly expressed CRNDE was worse, and the high level of CRNDE may be regarded a prognostic factor because of its results from proportional hazard analysis. Loss-of-function assays revealed that CRNDE influences proliferation and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, and Western blot assays revealed that the PI3K/AKT pathway was inactivated in response to CRNDE knockdown. Therefore, we conclude that CRNDE exerts oncogenic function in cervical cancer and should be further explored as a novel prognostic predictor.

[Evaluation of two methodologies for Chlamydia trachomatis detection in cervical samples of two clinics]

Objective: To compare the positive rates of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in gynecological clinic and reproductive medicine clinic by detecting cervical samples from two clinics with three assays of different methodologies. To determine the performances of enzyme assay and immunochromatography (ICA) assay compared to the real-time PCR assay. Methods: Seven hundred and eleven samples of gynecological clinic from May 2014 to May 2015 and 711 samples of reproductive medicine clinic from June 2014 to April 2015 were collected in Henan Province People's Hospital. Three cervical swabs were collected from each participant. The three samples were eluted with saline water then mixed. The samples were detected with three methodologies respectively after dividing the mixture into three. Results: The positive rates of CT in gynecological clinic and reproductive medicine clinic were 9.98% (71/711) and 4.22% (30/711) by real-time PCR assay, 10.83% (77/711) and 5.06% (36/711) by enzyme assay, 4.78% (34/711) and 2.11% (15/711) by ICA assay. The sensitivity and specificity were 85.1% (86/101) and 98.0% (1 294/1 321) by enzyme assay. The sensitivity of ICA assay was 45.5% (46/101) and specificity was 99.8% (1 318/1 321) compared to the real-time PCR assay. Conclusion: The positive rate of CT in gynecological clinic was markedly higher than that in reproductive medicine clinic (P<0.05). The ICA assay, while exhibiting a high specificity, had unacceptably low sensitivity compared to real-time PCR assay. The enzyme assay had higher sensitivity but slightly worse specificity.

[Analysis on the role of Sirius combined topography and tomography system in screening for suspect keratoconus]

Objective: To evaluate the role of Sirius combined topography and tomography system in screening for suspect keratoconus among the corneal refractive surgery candidates. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Eight hundred and sixteen consecutive ametropic patients (1 632 eyes) who underwent routine examinations before corneal refractive surgery at Peking University Third Hospital from January 2016 to September 2016 were reviewed. All the cases were analyzed with Sirius combined topography and tomography system. Fifty-nine eyes of 37 patients, aged (28.9±7.4) years, classified as suspect keratoconus by the system were enrolled in the suspect group, including 25 females (40 eyes) and 12 males (19 eyes). A random eye of the first 59 patients, aged (27.1±6.4)years, whose both eyes were classified as normal by Sirius system were enrolled in the control group, including 38 females and 21 males. The corneal anterior surface, posterior surface and minimum thickness data of the suspect group were analyzed and then compared with the control group. The classified results were further verified by Pentacam system. Independent-samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test were applied to analyze the normal distribution and non-normal distribution data respectively. Results: The medians of anterior surface and posterior surface symmetry index and Baiocchi Calossi Versaci index of anterior surface and posterior surface of the suspect group were 0.84, 0.22, 0.58 and 0.51 D, and that of the control group were 0.05, 0.04, 0.09 and 0.06 D, and the differences were of statistical significance (Z=-18.764, -8.351, -12.248, -10.709, P<0.01). Mean corneal minimum thickness data of the suspect group were (504.4±30.0)μm, and that of the control group were (541.2±32.1)μm, the differences were of statistical significance (t=-6.408, P<0.01). In the suspect group, the eyes related with suspect or abnormal corneal anterior indices accounted for 47.5% (28/59), the eyes related with suspect or abnormal corneal posterior indices accounted for 55.9% (33/59), and the eyes related with suspect or abnormal corneal minimum thickness accounted for 40.7% (24/59). In the suspect group, 45 eyes (76.3%) were classified as suspect or abnormal according to the overall variance index "D" by Belin-Ambrósio Display (BAD) of the Pentacam system, and the other 14 eyes exhibited at least one abnormal index related with keratoconus. Conclusions: Sirius 3D combined topography and tomography and its integral automatic classification system is capable to screen out the suspect keratoconus simply and effectively. These indices maybe arranged in descending order in terms of the sensitivity as corneal posterior surface, followed by corneal anterior surface and then corneal thinnest point thickness. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 33-38).

[Survival of patients with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: impact of gene aberrations and protein overexpression of bcl-2 and C-MYC, and selection of chemotherapy regimens]

Objective: To investigate the impact of clinicopathological features, gene rearrangements and protein expression of bcl-6, bcl-2, C-MYC and chemotherapy regime on the prognosis of patients with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCNS-DLBCL). Methods: Thirty-three cases of PCNS-DLBCL diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2016 at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital were collected. The expression of CD10, bcl-6, bcl-2, MUM1 and MYC were detected by immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The presence of EB virus was detected by in situ hybridization(EBER). Copy number variation (ICN) and translocation status of bcl-6, bcl-2 and C-MYC genes were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The relationship between the above indexes and the prognosis was analyzed by univariate, bivariate survival analysis and multiple Cox hazard regression analysis. Results: The study included 33 patients of PCNS-DLBCL, without evidence of primary or secondary immunodeficient disease. Male to female ratio was 1.36∶1.00, and the average age was 56 years. Twenty cases had single lesion while 13 had multiple lesions. Deep brain involvement was seen in 12 cases. All patients underwent partial or total tumor resection. Five patients received whole brain post-surgery radiotherapy, nine patients received high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) based chemotherapy, and 12 patients received whole-brain radiotherapy combined with HD-MTX based chemotherapy. Severn patients received no further treatment and rituximab was used in 8 patients. According to the Hans model, 27 cases were classified as non-GCB subtypes (81.8%). Bcl-2 was positive in 25 cases (75.8%, 25/33) and highly expressed in 8 (24.2%). MYC was positive in 12 cases (36.4%) and double expression of bcl-2 and MYC was seen in 6 cases. EBER positive rate was 10.0%(3/30), all of which had multiple lesions. Two bcl-6 gene translocations and 3 amplifications were found in 28 patients. Two translocations, 3 ICN or with both bcl-2 gene translocation and ICN were found in 30 patients. Four ICNs of C-MYC gene were found in 28 patients. Elevated protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was found in 13 patients. LDH increased in 10 cases. Follow-up period was 2-90 months with the average survival time of (23.0±3.7) months and two-year survival rate of 39.0%. Univariate survival analysis showed that overexpression of bcl-2 protein (≥70%) and MYC protein (≥40%), bcl-2 gene abnormality (including copy number increase and translocation), C-MYC gene copy number increased were adverse factors for survival. C-MYC/ bcl-2 gene double hit was seen in 2 cases. Bivariate survival analysis found that of bcl-2/MYC protein double expression and bcl-2 and C-MYC genes double aberration were significantly associated with adverse outcomes. Cox multivariate risk regression analysis found that gender, cerebrospinal fluid protein increasing, and ICN of C-MYC gene were independent poor prognostic factors. DH-MTX based comprehensive chemotherapy was associated with better prognosis. Conclusions: Double hit at genomic level (copy number variations and gene rearrangements) and double protein expression of bcl-2 and C-MYC in PCNS-DLBCL are significantly associated with an adverse outcome. DH-MTX based comprehensive treatment may prolong the patient survival.

[Research on blood distribution of Tibetan population in Ali area]

Objective: To explore the distribution of ABO blood group in the healthy population in the Ali area of Tibet, and to analyze the difference of blood group distribution between the Tibetan population in Ali and the Tibet Tibetan population. Methods: The blood distribution of 509 apparent healthy volunteers of Tueti County and Gal County, Tibet, which were randomly selected from September to November in 2016; 137 Tibetan blood donors, from 2016 September to2017 July and 84 Tibetan blood donors from 2015 August to 2017 July was analyzed retrospectively. The blood type was tested by the slide method. By reviewing the Chinese and foreign language database, seven articles on Tibetan blood group distribution were obtained. And the data of the blood distribution of the Ali area population and the Tibet Tibetan population were compared. Results: The ABO phenotype frequencies of 507 apparent healthy people, 137 blood donors and 84 recipients were B>O>A>AB. The composition ratio were 36.1%, 34.5%, 21.5 %, 7.9%; 40.1%, 35.0%, 17.5%, 7.3%; 39.3%, 34.5%, 20.2%, 6.0%.There was no statistically significant difference in blood group distribution between the donors and the recipients (P>0.05). And there was no significant difference in the blood group distribution between Ali and Shigatse, Nagqu, Lhasa, Shannan. However, the differences between Ali and Qamdo, Nyingchi areas were statistically significant. Conclusion: The geographical position of the blood from the west to east, B type shows a downward trend, O type blood composition ratio shows an upward trend.

[Effect of cannabinoid receptor-2 agonist AM1241 on platelet-derived growth factor expression in the liver tissue of mice with hepatic fibrosis]

Objective: To investigate the effect of cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) agonist AM1241 on the mRNA and protein expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and collagen-III (Col-III) in the liver tissue of mice with experimental liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Methods: Totally 38 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, 3 mg/kg CB2 receptor agonist (AM1241) group, and 9 mg/kg AM1241 group. All mice, except for the control group, were treated with 30% CCl(4) (three times a week, 5 ml/kg body weight, 16 weeks) to establish a liver fibrosis model. Meanwhile, 3 and 9 mg/kg AM1421 was intraperitoneally injected for daily intervention, respectively. The dosage was adjusted according to actual body weight. The same solvent was given in the control group. The serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was measured by serum enzyme digestion. The liver inflammation and fibrosis were observed by HE staining of tissue slices. The mRNA and protein expression of PDGF and Col-III in hepatic tissue was determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with the control group, the mice in model group showed severe liver fibrosis, significantly elevated serum AST level (742 ± 300.8 U/L vs 118.1 ± 31.1 U/L, P < 0.05), and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of PDGF and Col-III in liver tissue (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the mice in 3 mg/kg AM1241 group and 9 mg/kg AM1241 group had less severe liver fibrosis, and significantly reduced serum AST levels (116.6 ± 13.68 U/L vs 742 ± 300.8 U/L, P < 0.05; 113.8 ± 16.01 U/L vs 742 ± 300.8 U/L, P < 0.05) and mRNA and protein expression of PDGF and Col-III in liver tissue (P < 0.05). Conclusion: CB2 receptor agonist AM1241 can inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of PDGF in the liver tissue of mice with hepatic fibrosis, and reduce extracellular matrix synthesis.

DnaJ Homolog Subfamily B Member 9 Is a Putative Autoantigen in Fibrillary GN

Fibrillary GN is a rare form of GN of uncertain pathogenesis that is characterized by the glomerular accumulation of randomly arranged, nonbranching fibrils (12-24 nm) composed of Ig and complement proteins. In this study, we used mass spectrometry to comprehensively define the glomerular proteome in fibrillary GN compared with that in controls and nonfibrillary GN renal diseases. We isolated glomeruli from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens using laser capture microdissection and analyzed them with liquid chromatography and data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry. These studies identified DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 9 (DNAJB9) as a highly sampled protein detected only in fibrillary GN cases. The glomerular proteome of fibrillary GN cases also contained IgG1 as the dominant Ig and proteins of the classic complement pathway. In fibrillary GN specimens only, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry with an anti-DNAJB9 antibody showed strong and specific staining of the glomerular tufts in a distribution that mimicked that of the immune deposits. Our results identify DNAJB9 as a putative autoantigen in fibrillary GN and suggest IgG1 and classic complement effector pathways as likely mediators of the destructive glomerular injury in this disease.

[Advances of self-healing dental composite resin]

Degradation of composite resin during ageing always produces micro-cracks, the latter could gradually expand, leading to the fracture of tooth restoration. In order to extend the service life of composite resin by repairing cracks intelligently, self-healing microcapsule models have been introduced in resin-based dental materials. This paper will present the concept and classification of self-healing materials, and review the research progresses on self-healing dental resin.

[Effect of a nano hydroxyapatite desensitizing paste application on dentin bond strength of three self-etch adhesive systems]

Objective: To evaluate a nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) desensitizing paste application on the bond strength of three self-etch adhesives. Methods: Three dentin specimens of about 1 mm thick were cut from two teeth. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the dentin surfaces without treatment, after citric acid treatment and after nano-HA treatment. Thirty-six intact third molars extracted for surgical reasons were cut to remove the occlusal enamel with isomet, and then were etched with 1% citric acid for 20 s to simulate the sensitive dentin and divided into two groups randomly using a table of random numbers (n=18): the control group (no treatment) and the HA treated group (with nano-HA paste treatment). Each group was divided into three subgroups randomly using a table of random numbers (n=6). Subgroup A, B and C was bonded with G-Bond, Clearfil S(3) Bond and FL-Bond Ⅱ according to the manufacture's instruction separately. At 24 h after bonding procedure, and after water storage for 6 months, microtensile bond strength of the specimens was tested and the failure mode was analyzed. Results: SEM obeservation showed that citric acid could open the dentin tubules to set up the sensitive dentin model, and the nano-HA could occlude the dentin tubules effectively. For subgroup A, bonding strength of specimens treated with nano-HA ([41.14±8.91] MPa) was significantly high than that of the control group ([34.27±6.16] MPa) at 24 h after bonding procedure (P<0.05). However, after 6 month water ageing, the bonding strength of the control group and the HA treated group showed no significant difference (P>0.05). For subgroup B, specimens with nano-HA application showed lower bonding strength ([30.87±6.41] MPa) than that of the control group ([36.73±5.82] MPa) at 24 h after bonding procedure (P<0.05), and after 6 month water ageing, the bond strength of nano-HA application ([25.73±6.99] MPa) was also lower than that of the control group ([32.33±5.08] MPa) (P<0.05). For subgroup C, the bond strength of the control group and the HA treated group have no significant difference either before or after 6 month water ageing (P>0.05). Failure mode analysis showed that more than half of the samples in all groups were adhesive failure. Conclusions: Nano-HA treatment decreased the bond strength of subgroup B, while had no adverse effect on subgroup A and subgroup C.

Effect of sodium aescinate treatment on PCOS rat model with insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

Recent studies indicated that insulin resistance may contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, the specific mechanism is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of sodium aescinate (SA) on PCOS-IR rat models.

METHODS

Sixty rats were randomly divided into the five groups: un-treated rats (n = 12), PCOS-IR group (n = 12), PCOS-IR group plus 50 mg/kg SA (n = 12), PCOS-IR group plus 10 mg/kg SA (n = 12), PCOS-IR group plus 150 mg/kg metformin (n = 12). On day 21, rats were sacrificed, and H(and)E staining was performed for histopathologic examination of the ovaries; moreover, the serum level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and luteotropic hormone (LH) were measured, and the expression as well as phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and Gsk-3β were examined using western blot assay.

RESULTS

High dosage of SA treatment improved the morphological features of the ovaries in PCOS rats, and also induced significant decrease in serum expression of testosterone and LH/FSH ratio and significant decrease in the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-Gsk-3β.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that SA treatment could alleviate the symptom of PCOS in rat model through regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3-β pathway (Fig. 4, Ref. 22).

[Effects and related mechanism of angiotensin-(1-7) on Toll-like receptor 4-mediated oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells]

Objective: To explore the role and related mechanisms of angiotensin-(1-7)(Ang-(1-7)) on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediated oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: HUVECs were cultured in vitro and divided into six groups: the control group (normal medium), the ox-LDL group(treated with 75 mg/L ox-LDL), the ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (1 μmol/L Ang-(1-7) pretreated for 30 minutes, then intervened with 75 mg/L ox-LDL), the ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group(1 μmol/L A-779 (Mas receptor) pretreated for 30 minutes, 1 μmol/L Ang-(1-7) pretreated for 30 minutes, then intervened with 75 mg/L ox-LDL), the ox-LDL+ A-779 group (1 μmol/L A-779 pretreated for 30 minutes, then intervened with 75 mg/L ox-LDL), the ox-LDL+ HTA125 group (10 μg/L HTA125 (TLR4-blocking antibody) pretreated for 30 minutes, then intervened with 75 mg/L ox-LDL ). The corresponding index was detected after 24 hours after intervention. Apoptosis of cells were detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining flow cytometry and transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), products in oxidative stress, were detected by DCFH-DA staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4) and TLR4 were detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis respectively. Results: (1) The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining flow cytometry showed that the proportion of apoptotic cells was higher in ox-LDL group than in control group ((21.18±1.40)% vs. (1.59±0.26)%, P<0.01), lower in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group((7.42±1.07)%) and ox-LDL+ HTA125 group((9.19±1.01)%) than in ox-LDL group (both P<0.01), higher in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group ((19.91±1.30)%) and ox-LDL+ A-779 group((20.47±0.95)%) than in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (both P<0.01). (2) The TUNEL results showed that the proportion of apoptotic cells was higher in ox-LDL group than in control group((10.83±0.77)% vs. (2.83±0.82)%, P<0.01), lower in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group ((3.66±0.54)%)and ox-LDL+ HTA125 group((4.97±0.60)%) than in ox-LDL group(both P<0.01), higher in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group((10.69±0.62)%) and ox-LDL+ A-779 group((11.43±0.42)%) than in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (both P<0.01). (3) ROS level was higher in ox-LDL group than in control group(0.093±0.014 vs. 0.053±0.011, P<0.01), lower in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (0.063±0.011, P<0.01)and ox-LDL+ HTA125 group(0.070±0.010, P<0.05)than in ox-LDL group, higher in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group(0.088±0.003) and ox-LDL+ A-779 group(0.095±0.005) than in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (both P<0.01). (4) The mRNA expression level of NOX4 was higher in ox-LDL group than in control group(11.74±0.65 vs. 1.00±0.00, P<0.01), lower in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (2.85±0.75)and ox-LDL+ HTA125 group(5.57±0.52) than in ox-LDL group(both P<0.01), higher in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group(10.51±0.54) and ox-LDL+ A-779 group (11.04±1.01) than in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (both P<0.01), higher in ox-LDL group than in control group(27.60±1.86 vs. 1.00±0.00, P<0.01), lower in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (8.00±1.03)and ox-LDL+ HTA125 group(14.83±0.97)than in ox-LDL group(both P<0.01), higher in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group(24.81±2.19) and ox-LDL+ A-779 group (26.64±0.65)than in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (both P<0.01). (5)The protein expression level of NOX4 was higher in ox-LDL group than in control group (0.61±0.09 vs. 0.23±0.02, P<0.01), lower in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group(0.27±0.03) and ox-LDL+ HTA125 group(0.22±0.02) than in ox-LDL group(both P<0.01), higher in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group (0.58±0.06)and ox-LDL+ A-779 group(0.61±0.03) than in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (both P<0.01). The protein expression level of TLR4 was higher in ox-LDL group than in control group(0.18±0.02 vs. 0.08±0.01, P<0.01), lower in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group(0.07±0.01) and ox-LDL+ HTA125 group(0.09±0.01) than in ox-LDL group(both P<0.01), higher in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7)+ A-779 group(0.18±0.02) and ox-LDL+ A-779 group(0.20±0.02) than in ox-LDL+ Ang-(1-7) group (both P<0.01). Conclusion: TLR4 mediated the ox-LDL induced injury in HUVECs, and Ang-(1-7) could attenuate ox-LDL induced injury in HUVECs by modulating the specific Mas receptors.

[Study of epidemic area on Tsutsugamushi disease in Taizhou from 2013 to 2014]

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease, and to confirm the existence of the disease's epidemic foci in Taizhou. Methods: From 2013 to 2014, Dongxing town hospital and Xingqiao town hospital were selected as specimen collection sites in Jingjiang city. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected from 40 patients with acute tsutsugamushi disease. A total of 59 rodents were captured with cage night method in the survey sites at 5, 7, 9, 10, and 11 months in 2013, from which, the spleen, liver, and kidney specimens were selected. Chigger mites were captured by small blackboard method and from the ears of the captured rodents. A total of 226 small blackboards were laid, 27 mites were captured, and the samples were grounded into suspension. Nested-polymerase chain reaction and cell and tissue culture techniques were used to test the specimen from the probable patients, host animals and chigger mites. Results: Among the 40 acute tsutsugamushi disease blood samples, 29 were found to meet the test requirements, 17 were positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid with 59% of the positive rate, and 1 stran orientia tsutsugamushi was isolated. 59 rats were captured and the density of mice was 5.5%. Among them, there were 26 Mus musculus (2.4%), 18 Rattus flavipectus (1.7%) and 15 Smelly shrew (density 1.4%). 1 Smelly shrew was tested positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid, and the negative results were found in the other rodent specimens. 27 Chigge mites were collected by small blackboard method and the density of mites was 0.12 for each blackboard, among which 3 larvae and 24 nymphs were found. 33 Chigger mites were collected from the ears of 3 Smelly shrew, and the density of the mite was 11 per mouse. All the captured Chigger mites were identified as Leptotrombidium scutellare and 1 group of specimens of Chigger mites from the external environment were positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid. Conclusion: There was a high density of mice in the epidemic area from May to November and the species of the chigger mites were Chigger mites in Taizhou. The nucleic acid of the oriental tsutsugamushi was detected in the patients with acute scrub typhus, rodents and vectors. According to the above-mentioned results, it was considered that the scrub typhus epidemic area of Taizhou city has the natural foci of scrub typhus.

[Changes of resistant phenotype and CRISPR/Cas system of four Shigella strains passaged for 90 times without antibiotics]

Objective: To explore the stability of resistant phenotypes and changes of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) gene system on four Shigella strains in the absence of antibiotics. Methods: Four clinical isolated Shigella strains that resistant to different antibiotics were consecutive passaged for 90 times without antibiotics. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of Shigella strains. After sequence analysis with PCR, CRISPR Finder and Clustal X 2.1 were applied to identify the changes of CRISPR loci in the Shigella strains. Results: After the consecutive transfer of 90 generations, sensitivity to certain antibiotics of four Shigella strains with different drug resistant spectrums increased. Mel-sf1998024/zz resistance to ampicillin, cephalexin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol decreased, mel-s2014026/sx resistance to norfloxacin, trimethoprim decreased, mel-sf2004004/sx drug resistance to ampicillin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim decreased and mel-sf2013004/bj resistance to chloramphenicol decreased. The spacer of which matched gene codes Cas and its upstream repeat in 3'end of CRISPR3 got lost in mel-sf1998024/zz and mel-sf2013004/bj. Conclusions:Shigella strains could reduce or lose their resistance to some antibiotics after consecutive transfers, without the interference of antibiotics. CRISPR3 locus had dynamic spacers in Shigella strains while CRISPR3 locus and cas genes might have been co-evolved.

[Inhibitory effect of quercetin on the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the inhibitory effect of quercetin on the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans(Sm), to preliminarily reveal the possible underlying mechanisms, and to evaluate the cytotoxicity of quercetion to human dental pulp cells so as to provide the theoretical basis for the application of quercetin in oral biomaterials.

METHODS

Quercetin storage solution was diluted to 0, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/L, and added into Sm medium for 4 h and 24 h, crystal violet staining was used to evaluate the biofilm volume. In subsequent detections, three groups were set: control(0 mg/L), 200 mg/L quercetin and 400 mg/L quercetin. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the biofilm; qPCR for gtfB, gtfC, comD, comE, and luxS were assessed to preliminarily investigate the mechanisms. Finally, the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)test using human dental pulp cells was used to investigate cytotoxicity.

RESULTS

Quercetin could significantly inhibit up to(86.16±0.45)% of the biofilm formation of Sm(Compared with the control group P=0.00)and effectively removed(43.04±0.53)% of the mature biofilm(Compared with the control group P=0.00). Confocal laser scanning microscopy photographs showed that after co-incubated for 24 h, the dense biofilm structures of the experimental group were destroyed by quercetin both at 200 mg/L and 400 mg/L. Quercetin suppressedover 50% of the expression of gtfB, gtfC, comD, comE(compared with the control group P<0.05)and promoted the expression of luxS up to 2.18 ± 0.24 and 2.84 ± 0.26 after 4 h and 24 h, respectively(compared with the control group P<0.05). Quercetin also exhibited acceptable compatibility for human dental pulp cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Quercetin could effectively reduce the biofilm formation of Sm by inhibiting the expression of the related genes, and exhibited no cytotoxicity for human dental pulp cells. Quercetin has good potential to be applied in oral biological materials.

[Study on the survival rate of random flap using pre-injection of ADSCs]

Objective: To determine the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on the survival rate of flaps by transplanting ADSCs into the experimental flaps pre-operatively. Methods: ADSCs were isolated from fresh human fat and cultured in vitro. Their morphological characters were observed, and flowcytometry and differentiation test and evaluation were conducted. A total of 40 BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups randomly with each of 8 mice. 1 cm×4 cm random skin flap was designed on the mice back, ADSCs were injected in advance into subcutaneous tissues of 3 groups, the operation was performed on the 2^nd, 5^th and 7^th day after the ADSCs injection, meanwhile skin flap operation was conducted in the immediate injection group and control group. Survival condition of the skin flaps was observed and von willebrand factor (vWF) staining was used to detect the number of micro-vessels in the skin flap. The enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the skin flap. Results: The immediate injection group had a significantly higher survival rate of skin flap than the pre-injection groups and the control group [(51.5±6.3)% vs (38.3±6.7)%, (21.0±2.9)%, (30.0±3.9)% and (34.5±4.2)%, all P<0.01]. The immediate injection group had a significantly higher number of micro-vessels in the skin flap than the pre-injection groups and the control group [(21.0±4.3) vs (17.5±3.9), (9.9±2.6), (13.9±2.6) and (16.1±3.3)/LPF, all P<0.01]. The laboratory results of the concentration of VEGF in skin flap kept a consistent tendency with the flap survival rate. Conclusion: Pre-injection with the ADSCs into the skin flap prevents the survival of the flap to a certain extend and does not show the function of promoting tissue angiogenesis.