ORTHOPOD: Linking ambulatory future trauma injury distribution from fragility proximal femur fracture caseload

INTRODUCTION

The age of those experiencing traumatic injury and requiring surgery increases. The majority of this increase seen in older patients having operations after accidents is in fragility proximal femur fractures (FPFF). This study designed a model to predict the distribution of fractures suitable for ambulatory trauma list provision based on the number of FPFF patients.

METHODS

The study utilized two datasets which both had data from 64 hospitals. One derived from the ORTHOPOD study dataset, and the other from National Hip Fracture Database. The model tested the predictability of 12 common fracture types based on FPFF data from the two datasets, using linear regression and K-fold cross-validation.

RESULTS

The predictive model showed some promise. Evaluation of the model with mean RMSE and Std RMSE demonstrated good predictive performance for some fracture types, although the r-squared values showed that large variation in these fracture types was not always captured by the model. The study highlighted the dominance of FPFFs, and the strong correlation between these and numbers of ankle and distal radius fractures at a given unit.

DISCUSSION

It is possible to model the numbers of ankle and distal radius fractures based off the number of patients admitted with hip fractures. This has great significance given the drive for increased day case utilisation and bed pressures across health services. While the model's current predictability was limited, with methodological improvements and additional data, a more robust predictive model could be developed to aid in the restructuring of trauma networks and improvement of patient care and surgical outcomes.

The Mitochondrial Genome of the Holoparasitic Plant Thonningia sanguinea Provides Insights into the Evolution of the Multichromosomal Structure

Multichromosomal mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) structures have repeatedly evolved in many lineages of angiosperms. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The mitogenomes of three genera of Balanophoraceae, namely Lophophytum, Ombrophytum, and Rhopalocnemis, have already been sequenced and assembled, all showing a highly multichromosomal structure, albeit with different genome and chromosome sizes. It is expected that characterization of additional lineages of this family may expand the knowledge of mitogenome diversity and provide insights into the evolution of the plant mitogenome structure and size. Here, we assembled and characterized the mitogenome of Thonningia sanguinea, which, together with Balanophora, forms a clade sister to the clade comprising Lophophytum, Ombrophytum, and Rhopalocnemis. The mitogenome of T. sanguinea possesses a multichromosomal structure of 18 circular chromosomes of 8.7-19.2 kb, with a total size of 246,247 bp. There are very limited shared regions and poor chromosomal correspondence between T. sanguinea and other Balanophoraceae species, suggesting frequent rearrangements and rapid sequence turnover. Numerous medium- and small-sized repeats were identified in the T. sanguinea mitogenome; however, no repeat-mediated recombination was detected, which was verified by Illumina reads mapping and PCR experiments. Intraspecific mitogenome variations in T. sanguinea are mostly insertions and deletions, some of which can lead to degradation of perfect repeats in one or two accessions. Based on the mitogenome features of T. sanguinea, we propose a mechanism to explain the evolution of a multichromosomal mitogenome from a master circle, which involves mutation in organellar DNA replication, recombination and repair genes, decrease of recombination, and repeat degradation.

[Mammary myofibroblastoma: a clinicopathological analysis of fifteen cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of breast myofibroblastoma. Methods: The clinicopathological data and prognostic information of 15 patients with breast myofibroblastoma diagnosed at the Department of Pathology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China from 2014 to 2022 were collected. Their clinical characteristics, histological subtypes, immunophenotypes and molecular characteristics were analyzed. Results: There were 12 female and 3 male patients, ranging in age from 18 to 78 years, with a median and average age of 52 years. There were 6 cases in the left breast and 9 cases in the right breast, including 12 cases in outer upper quadrant, 2 cases in inner upper quadrant and 1 case in outer lower quadrant. Most of the cases showed a well-defined nodule grossly, including pushing growth under the microscope in 13 cases, being completely separated from the surrounding breast tissue in 1 case, and infiltrating growth in 1 case. Among them, 12 cases were classic subtype and composed of occasional spindle cells with varying intervals of collagen fiber bundles; eight cases had a small amount of fat; one case had focal cartilage differentiation; one case was epithelioid subtype, in which epithelioid tumor cells were scattered in single filing or small clusters; one case was schwannoma-like subtype, and the tumor cells were arranged in a significant palisade shape, resembling schwannoma, and one case was invasive leiomyoma-like subtype, in which the tumor cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm and were arranged in bundles, and infiltrating into the surrounding mammary lobules like leiomyoma. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumor cells expressed desmin (14/15) and CD34 (14/15), as well as ER (15/15) and PR (15/15). Three cases with histologic subtypes of epithelioid subtype, schwannoma-like subtype and infiltrating leiomyoma-like subtype showed RB1 negative immunohistochemistry. Then FISH was performed to detect RB1/13q14 gene deletion, and identified RB1 gene deletion in all three cases. Fifteen cases were followed up for 2-100 months, and no recurrence was noted. Conclusions: Myofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of the breast. In addition to the classic type, there are many histological variants, among which the epithelioid subtype is easily confused with invasive lobular carcinoma. The schwannoma-like subtype is similar to schwannoma, while the invasive subtype is easily misdiagnosed as fibromatosis-like or spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma. Therefore, it is important to recognize the various histological subtypes and clinicopathological features of the tumor for making correct pathological diagnosis and rational clinical treatment.

[Attention should be paid to futile recanalization after endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke]

With the accumulation of research evidence and clinical experience, an increasing number of patients benefit from vascular recanalization therapies. Although successful recanalization of the occluded artery has been achieved, neurological deficits persist after endovascular treatment, which defined as"futile reperfusion". Compared with the successful recanalization, successful reperfusion predicts final infarct size and clinical outcome more accurately. At present, the known influencing factors of futile reperfusion include older age, female, high baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score, hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, reperfusion treatment strategy, large infarction core volume, and collateral circulation status. The incidence of futile reperfusion in China is significantly higher than that in western population. However, few studies focused on its mechanism and influencing factors. To date, many clinical studies have attempted to reduce the occurrence of futile recanalization regarding antiplatelet therapy, blood pressure management and treatment process improvement. However, only one effective measure has been achieved in blood pressure management: systolic blood pressure control below 120 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) should be avoided after successful recanalization. Therefore, future studies are warranted to promote the establishment and maintenance of collateral circulation, as well as neuroprotective therapy.

An annotated plant checklist of the transboundary volcanic Mt Elgon, East Africa

Mt Elgon is an ancient transboundary volcanic mountain found at the Kenya-Uganda boarder possessing high plant diversity. This study documents an updated checklist of the mountain's vascular plants obtained through random-walk field excursions and retrieval of herbarium specimen tracing back to 1900. We compiled 1709 species from 673 genera in 131 families. One new species of the family Cucurbitaceae was also reported. This checklist records respective habitat, habits, elevation ranges, voucher numbers and global distribution ranges of each species. Native and exotic species were also distinguished, where 8.4% of the total species in 49 families were exotic species. There were 103 endemic species, while 14 species were found to be both rare and endemic. IUCN conservation status revealed 2 Critically Endangered, 4 Endangered, 9 Vulnerable and 2 Near Threatened species. This study presents the first and most comprehensive plant inventory of Mt Elgon that will facilitate further ecological and phylogenetic studies.

Contributions to the Flora of Tropical East Africa

Tropical East Africa (TEA) is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet. Its rich flora diversity and inventory have been clearly recognized after the publication of the last volume of the Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA) in 2012. However, many new and newly recorded taxa have been named and documented since the publication of the first volume of FTEA in 1952. In this study, we comprehensively compiled new taxa and new records by reviewing the literature on the taxonomic contributions of vascular plants in TEA from 1952 to 2022. Our list includes 444 new and newly recorded species belonging to 81 families and 218 genera. Among these taxa, 94.59% of the plants are endemic to TEA and 48.42% are herbs. Additionally, members of Rubiaceae and Aloe are the most numerous family and genus respectively. These new taxa are unevenly distributed in TEA, but are found mainly in areas of high species richness, such as coastal, central and western areas of Kenya, central and southeastern Tanzania. This study offers summative assessment of the newly recorded flora inventory in TEA and provides recommendations for future research on plant diversity survey and conservation.

Recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries by self-supplied reductant roasting

The massive spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) need to be recycled due to their increasing decommission in recent years. This paper aims to propose an effective process that uses self-supplied reductant roasting and acid leaching to recover Lithium, Nickle, Cobalt and Manganese from spent LIBs. In the absence of external carbon resources, the waste membrane from spent LIBs was used as the reductant in the self-supplied reductant roasting. A thermodynamic analysis was conducted to judge the possible reduction reaction between the cathode material and waste membrane. Then, the effects of roasting temperature, roasting time and membrane dosage on the crystal structure and phase transformation of roasting products were investigated and optimized. After the roasting process, the valence state of metals in the cathode material decreased and the structure became loose and porous. Moreover, the layer structure of the cathode material was transformed into groups of Li₂CO₃, Ni, Co, NiO, CoO and MnO. Further, the reduction effect of cathode powders under each roasting condition was verified under the same leaching conditions. After leaching for 30 min, the leaching efficiencies of Li, Ni, Co and Mn were over 99% under the optimum roasting conditions. Finally, economic assessments proved that the proposed process is profitable. The whole process demonstrates an effective and positive way for recycling spent LIBs and making full use of their waste membrane, which promotes resource recovery and environmental protection.

[Comparison of clinical features of JAK2V617F gene mutation and non-mutation in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of JAK2V617F gene mutation and non-mutation in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Methods: 17 and 127 BCS cases with JAK2V617F gene mutation (mutation group) and non-gene mutation (non-mutation group) who were continuously treated with interventional therapy between January 2016 to December 2020 in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were selected as the research object for a comparative study. The hospitalization and follow-up data of the two groups were analyzed retrospectively, and the deadline for follow-up was June 2021. Quantitative data group differences were analyzed using the independent sample t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Qualitative data group differences were analyzed with χ² test or Fisher's exact test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences between groups in rank data. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the patient survival and recurrence rate. Results: Age [(35.41±17.10) years vs. (50.09±14.16) years, t=3.915, P<0.001], time of onset (median duration: 3 months vs. 12 months), and the cumulative survival rate (65.5% vs 95.1%; χ²=5.21, P=0.022) were lower in mutation than non-mutation group. Aaspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, prothrombin time, Child-Pugh score, Rotterdam score, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, hepatic vein thrombosis incidence, and the cumulative recurrence rate after intervention were higher in mutation than non-mutation group. The above all indexes had statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the groups. Conclusion: Younger age, acute onset, severe liver injury, high incidence of hepatic vein thrombosis, and poor prognosis are the features of patients with BCS with JAK2V617F gene mutation than non-mutation.

[Interpretation of Chinese expert consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with lymphoma (2022)]

Chinese expert consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) associated with lymphoma was revised on the basis of evidence-based medical evidence in combination with domestic and international research progress. It added the classification of "according to the difference in the causes of HLH". For the first time, the revised version included the classification of lymphoma-associated HLH induced by immunotherapy. The contents of genetic background defects and central nervous system involvement in lymphoma-associated HLH were also supplemented. This article gives a detailed interpretation of the updated content in the consensus.

Recycling of valuable metals from spent cathode material by organic pyrolysis combined with in-situ thermal reduction

From the perspective of environmental protection and resource recovery, recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries is a meaningful process. In this study, the removal of organics, liberatioin of electrode material, and reduction of high valence transition metal, as the key points in recycling efficiency of valuable metals, have been firstly achieved simultaneously by low temperature heat treatment recycling process. Pyrolysis characteristics of organics, phase transition behavior of spent cathode material and the thermal reduction mechanism were evaluated in the meantime. Results demonstrate that organics can be removed and the liberation of electrode materials can be improved by pyrolysis. High-valence transition metals in cathode materials are synchronously reduced to CoO, NiO, MnO, Ni, and Co based on the reducing action of organics, aluminum foil and conductive additives. At the same time, Li element exists in the form of Li₂CO₃, LiF and aluminum-lithium compound that can be recycled by water-leaching in the water impact crushing process while transition metals can be recycled by acid leaching without reducing agents. 81.26% of Li can be recycled from water-leaching process while the comprehensive recovery rate of Ni, Co, Mn is 92.04%, 93.01%, 92.21%, respectively. This study may provide an environmentally-friendly recycling flowchart of spent lithium-ion batteries.

miR-34a-5p plays an inhibitory role in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating target gene VEGFA

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to determine the role of miR-34a-5p in the occurrence and development of HCC by targeting VEGFA.

METHODS

The expression of miR-34a-5p in HCC cell lines and tumour tissue was detected by qRT-PCR; the effect of miR-34a-5p on the invasive ability of HCC cells (SMMC7721 and MHCC97H) were detected by Transwell invasion assay; VEGFA is predicted as a potential target gene of miR-34a-5p by TargetScan, and validated with dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, qRT-PCR and western blot. VEGFA expression in HCC cell lines and tumour tissue was detected using qRT-PCR; the regulation and influence of miR-34a-5p and VEGFA on the proliferation, invasion, migration and the S-phase cell of HCC cells with different invasive abilities were detected by CCK8, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. The effect of miR-34a-5p on the growth of tumour was detected by constructing a xenograft model of nude mice with HCC.

RESULTS

It was found that the expression of miR-34a-5p in HCC cells and tumour tissue was significantly decreased. Up-regulating miR-34a-5p expression could reduce the invasion ability of HCC cells. MiR-34a-5p could inhibit the mRNA and protein expression level of VEGFA via combining with the 3'-UTR of VEGFA. VEGFA was highly expressed in HCC cells and tumour tissues. The miR-34a-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration and S-phase arrest of HCC cells, but this inhibition effect could be neutralised by VEGFA; miR-34a-5p exerted the inhibitory effect on HCC cell proliferation and tumour growth in the HCC xenograft model of nude mice.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that miR-34a-5p could inhibit the occurrence and development of HCC by targeting VEGFA.

[Analysis of risk factors for hemorrhage in patients with acute poisoning treated with hemoperfusion]

Objective: To explore the clinical characterist ics and risk factors of hemorrhage complicated by hemoperfusion therapy in patients with acute poisoning. Methods: In January 2021, the clinical data of 196 patients with acute poisoning who received hemoperfusion therapy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed, and the patients were divided into bleeding group and non-bleeding group according to whether the patients were complicated with bleeding. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for hemorrhage in patients treated with hemoperfusion. Results: A total of 21 patients in the bleeding group and 175 patients in the non-bleeding group were included. There was no significant difference in general data such as gender, age, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05) . Organophosphorus pesticides (χ(2)= 4.56, P=0.030) , HA230 perfusion device (χ(2)=4.12, P=0.042) , platelet count (t=-2.33, P=0.009) and activated partial thromboplastin time (t=14.53, P<0.001) at 2 h of perfusion were the influencing factors of hemorrhage in patients with acute poisoning treated with hemoperfusion. Among them, organophosphorus pesticides, 2 h perfusion activated partial thromboplastin time ≥35 s and other factors were independent risk factors forcomplicated bleeding (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Patients with acute poisoning, especially organophosphorus pesticide poisoning, are at greater risk of bleeding during hemoperfusion therapy. Monitoring of changes in activated partial thromboplastin time should be strengthened and the dose of anticoagulants should be adjusted in time to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Phylogenomic and comparative analyses of Coffeeae alliance (Rubiaceae): deep insights into phylogenetic relationships and plastome evolution

BACKGROUND

The large and diverse Coffeeae alliance clade of subfamily Ixoroideae (Rubiaceae) consists of 10 tribes, > 90 genera, and > 2000 species. Previous molecular phylogenetics using limited numbers of markers were often unable to fully resolve the phylogenetic relationships at tribal and generic levels. Also, the structural variations of plastomes (PSVs) within the Coffeeae alliance tribes have been poorly investigated in previous studies. To fully understand the phylogenetic relationships and PSVs within the clade, highly reliable and sufficient sampling with superior next-generation analysis techniques is required. In this study, 71 plastomes (40 newly sequenced and assembled and the rest from the GenBank) were comparatively analyzed to decipher the PSVs and resolve the phylogenetic relationships of the Coffeeae alliance using four molecular data matrices.

RESULTS

All plastomes are typically quadripartite with the size ranging from 153,055 to 155,908 bp and contained 111 unique genes. The inverted repeat (IR) regions experienced multiple contraction and expansion; five repeat types were detected but the most abundant was SSR. The size of the Coffeeae alliance clade plastomes and its elements are affected by the IR boundary shifts and the repeat types. However, the emerging PSVs had no taxonomic and phylogenetic implications. Eight highly divergent regions were identified within the plastome regions ndhF, ccsA, ndhD, ndhA, ndhH, ycf1, rps16-trnQ-UUG, and psbM-trnD. These highly variable regions may be potential molecular markers for further species delimitation and population genetic analyses for the clade. Our plastome phylogenomic analyses yielded a well-resolved phylogeny tree with well-support at the tribal and generic levels within the Coffeeae alliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Plastome data could be indispensable in resolving the phylogenetic relationships of the Coffeeae alliance tribes. Therefore, this study provides deep insights into the PSVs and phylogenetic relationships of the Coffeeae alliance and the Rubiaceae family as a whole.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with carbon nanoparticle suspension after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility of performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using a carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNPS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Some 152 patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer (cT1-3N0-2M0) were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups according to axillary lymph node (ALN) status after four to six cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All patients received a CNPS injection, after which SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were performed.

RESULTS

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) of 143 patients were identified; with an accuracy rate of 94.4% and a false-negative rate of 9.9%. Group A included 67 patients, and the detection, accuracy and false-negative rates within this group were 95.5%, 96.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The corresponding rates for group B (85 patients) were 92.9%, 92.4% and 11.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CNPS is an ideal tracer for improving the detection rate of SLN and can be used to determine SLN status following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[Analysis of curative efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using viabahn stent in the treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive hepatic vein occlusion]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using viabahn stent in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with extensive hepatic vein occlusion. Methods: Technical success rates, portal pressure gradient (PPG), complications and shunt patency rate of 25 cases with BCS with extensive hepatic vein occlusion treated by TIPS using viabahn stent were retrospectively analyzed. Color Doppler ultrasound was used for postoperative follow-up. Patency rates were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve. Results: The technical success rate of TIPS was 100%. Mean PPG decreased from (22.7 ± 6.2) mmHg preoperatively to (9.7 ± 2.6) mmHg postoperatively (t = 9.58, P < 0.05). Hepatic encephalopathy incidence was 8.0% (2/25), and there were no complications such as intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Twenty-five cases were followed up for 1 to 39 ( mean 19.0 ± 11.9) months, and one patient died of liver failure three months after interventional treatment. The primary patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after interventional treatment were 91.3%, 91.3%, and 78.2%, respectively, while the repatency rates were 100%, 92.9%, and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusion: TIPS using viabahn stent can bring better short-term and mid-term curative efficacy in treatment of BCS with extensive hepatic vein occlusion.

Plastome Evolution in the Hyperdiverse Genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) Using Phylogenomic and Comparative Analyses: Large-Scale Expansion and Contraction of the Inverted Repeat Region

With c. 2,000 species, Euphorbia is one of the largest angiosperm genera, yet a lack of chloroplast genome (plastome) resources impedes a better understanding of its evolution. In this study, we assembled and annotated 28 plastomes from Euphorbiaceae, of which 15 were newly sequenced. Phylogenomic and comparative analyses of 22 plastome sequences from all four recognized subgenera within Euphorbia revealed that plastome length in Euphorbia is labile, presenting a range of variation c. 42 kb. Large-scale expansions of the inverted repeat (IR) region were identified, and at the extreme opposite, the near-complete loss of the IR region (with only 355 bp left) was detected for the first time in Euphorbiaceae. Other structural variations, including gene inversion and duplication, and gene loss/pseudogenization, were also observed. We screened the most promising molecular markers from both intergenic and coding regions for phylogeny-based utilities, and estimated maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies from four datasets including whole plastome sequences. The monophyly of Euphorbia is supported, and its four subgenera are recovered in a successive sister relationship. Our study constitutes the first comprehensive investigation on the plastome structural variation in Euphorbia and it provides resources for phylogenetic research in the genus, facilitating further studies on its taxonomy, evolution, and conservation.

Euphorbiambuinzauensis, a new succulent species in Kenya from the Synadenium group in Euphorbiasect.Monadenium (Euphorbiaceae)

Euphorbiambuinzauensis, a succulent new species of the Synadenium group in Euphorbiaceae from Makueni County, Kenya, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is most similar to E.pseudomollis, but differs mainly by its shrubby habit (up to 4 m), abaxial leaves surfaces with densely stellate hairs, 2-4-forked cymes, smaller bracts (ca. 2.5 × 3.0 mm), smaller cyathia (6 mm wide), crimson glands without narrow smooth margin, smaller fruits (ca. 8 × 7 mm) and ovoid seeds (ca. 1.8 × 2.2 mm). Furthermore, we performed a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Synadenium group in Euphorbiasect.Monadenium, based on complete nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) datasets. This phylogenetic inference also supports it to be a distinct species. The new species is assessed as Endangered using the IUCN criteria.

Traditional knowledge, use and conservation of plants by the communities of Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

Rural communities in Kenya largely depend on plant resources for their livelihood. The utilization of these resources depends on the availability of plant resources and the level of knowledge of the residents. We conducted an ethnobotanical study in Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya to determine the knowledge and utilization of various plant species by the local communities. The study was conducted in four major administrative regions from June 2018 to February 2019, involving interview schedules using semi-structured open-ended questionnaires and guided field collections with 48 informants. A total of 214 plant species distributed in 73 families and 169 genera with 616 Use Reports (URs) were documented. Fabaceae was the highest family cited by the informants (31 species) followed by Lamiaceae and Euphorbiaceae (each with 11 species). Trees (49%) and shrubs (32%) were the top life forms of the plants frequently utilized by the local residents. The general plant uses reported were medicinal, food, fodder, construction, fuel, pesticidal, religious, live fencing, and making crafts. Zanthoxylum gilletii, Prunus africana, and Solanum incanum were found to be highly valued by the local communities. Plant utilization as food and medicinal uses against snake-bite related problems had the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Only 29 (13.6%) of the species reported had their status assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation measures, alongside awareness creation in this region, are highly recommended for the species endemic to the region, highly depended on by the community, and those threatened according to IUCN standards.

CircRNA UBAP2 promotes the progression of ovarian cancer by sponging microRNA-144

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to elucidate the regulatory effect of circular RNA UBAP2 (circUBAP2) on the progression of ovarian cancer (OC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expressions of circUBAP2, microRNA-144 and CHD2 in OC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The correlation between the expression levels of circUBAP2 and microRNA-144 with pathological parameters of OC patients was analyzed. Subcellular distribution of circUBAP2 was detected by chromatin fractionation assay. After overexpression of circUBAP2 in OC cells, changes in proliferative and migratory abilities were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay, respectively. In addition, the Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the binding of circUBAP2 and microRNA-144, and the binding of CHD2 to microRNA-144.

RESULTS

QRT-PCR results showed that circUBAP2 was highly expressed in OC tissues, and its expression was negatively correlated with TMN stage and five-year survival of OC patients. CircUBAP2 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Overexpression of circUBAP2 significantly promoted the proliferative and migratory abilities of OC cells. The Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that circUBAP2 could bind to microRNA-144. Meanwhile, circUBAP2 negatively regulated microRNA-144 expression in OC cells. Besides, the promotive effects of circUBAP2 on the proliferation and migration of OC cells were reversed by microRNA-144 overexpression. MicroRNA-144 was lowly expressed in OC tissues, which was negatively correlated with TNM stage of OC patients. The Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the binding condition between CHD2 and microRNA-144. CHD2 expression was negatively regulated by microRNA-144 in OC cells. Moreover, CHD2 could bind to microRNA-144 and partially inhibited its activity, thereby promoting the proliferative and migratory abilities of OC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CircUBAP2 promotes the progression of ovarian cancer by adsorbing microRNA-144.

An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Aberdare Ranges Forest, a part of Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot

The Aberdare Ranges Forest, located in the Central highlands of Kenya, is an isolated volcanic mountain in the East African Rift Valley with unique flora. Despite its refugial importance to rare and endemic plant species, the diversity of plants in the Aberdare Ranges Forest remains poorly understood. The checklist presented here is a collation of data obtained from multiple floristic surveys and from herbarium specimen collections from the forest. A total of 1260 vascular plants taxa representing 136 families, 613 genera, 67 subspecies and 63 varieties are documented. The ferns comprised 84 species, lycophytes seven, gymnosperms six and angiosperms were 1163 taxa. This represents 17.9% of the Kenyan taxa, 1.7% of the African taxa and 0.3% of all the vascular plants known in the world. A total of 18 taxa were endemic and 14 taxa were found to be threatened globally. The life form, voucher specimen(s), habitat and distribution range of each taxon and a brief analysis of taxa diversity is presented in this checklist. This is the first comprehensive inventory of vascular plants in the entire Aberdare Ranges, providing a solid basis for more sustainable management and improved conservation of this montane forest. The checklist is also an important contribution to the world checklist of plants required by the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.

Zehneria grandibracteata (Cucurbitaceae), an overlooked new species from western Kenyan forests

Zehneria grandibracteata, a new species of Cucurbitaceae from western Kenya, is described here, based on morphological and molecular data. It has long been misidentified as the widely-distributed species Z. scabra. However, it differs by its ovate leafy probract at the base of the inflorescences, subglabrous condition of the entire plant, shorter receptacle-tube and filaments, as well as denser and sessile inflorescences. Furthermore, the molecular phylogenetic analysis of Zehneria, based on nrITS sequences, further supports the argument that Z. grandibracteata should be segregated from Z. scabra.

[Preliminary application of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in individualized treatment of patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension complicated with refractory ascites and variceal hemorrhage]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the individualized treatment of patients with refractory ascites and variceal hemorrhage caused by portal hypertension. Methods: Prospective study of clinical data of 47 patients with portal hypertension and refractory ascites and variceal bleeding admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from August 2017 to December 2018, 26 males and 21 females, aged 23-75 (52±14) years old. The Viabahn stent was used to control the diameter of the shunt and the preoperative interval of PPG after individualized TIPS was determined according to the preoperative liver function Child-Pugh classification. The PPG of the Child A and B patients was <10 mm Hg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), Child-Pugh C grade patients with postoperative PPG interval values of 12 to 15 mmHg. The success rate, hemostasis rate, ascites remission rate, and complication rate were recorded. Results: Forty-seven patients were with a success rate of 100%, and there was no surgically related fatal complications. The portal pressure gradients of patients with Child-Pugh A, B and Child-Pugh C were reduced from preoperative (22.5±5.4), (24.4±2.6) mm Hg to postoperative (8.8±2.5), (13.2±1.1) mm Hg (all P<0.05). All the patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, with a median follow-up of 13 months. The success rate of hemostasis in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding was 93.5% (29/31), the remission rate of patients with refractory ascites was 14/16, the postoperative rebleeding rate was 6.5% (2/31), the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was 8.5% (4/47), and the shunt disorder was 2.1% (1/47). Conclusion: The use of Viabahn stent for individualized TIPS in the treatment of portal hypertension with refractory ascites and variceal hemorrhage is feasible, and the clinical efficacy is affirmative, which can reduce the incidence of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction.

Long non-coding RNA ZEB1-AS1 promotes glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion through regulating miR-577

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA ZEB1-AS1 (ZEB1-AS1) was reported to be implicated and aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers. However, the potential mechanism and clinical significance of ZEB1-AS1 in the carcinogenesis of glioma remain unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RT-PCR was performed to determine the expression of ZEB1-AS1 in glioma tissues and cell lines. The association between ZEB1-AS1 expression and clinical features and prognosis were statistically analyzed. MTT and transwell assays were used to test the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cells. Luciferase report assay was used to detect the correlation between ZEB1-AS1 and miR-577 in glioma.

RESULTS

Compared with normal brain tissues and cells, ZEB1-AS1 in glioma tissues and cell lines was shown to be expressed at high levels. Clinical association analysis indicated that ZEB1-AS1 expression was closely associated with tumor size (p = 0.014), KPS (p = 0.004) and WHO grade (p = 0.001). In addition, it was observed that high expression level of ZEB1-AS1 was remarkably associated with overall survival and could be an independent prognostic indicator of glioma using univariate and multivariate analysis. Functional experiments demonstrated that down-regulation of ZEB1-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cell in vitro. In the mechanism, we found that ZEB1-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge miR-577. Moreover, miR-577 could reverse the tumor-promotive role of ZEB1-AS1 on glioma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that ZEB1-AS1 might play an oncogenic role in glioma and was a poor prognostic factor. The ZEB1-AS1/miR-577 axis might be a potential target for the development of effective glioma therapy.

Effect of RhoC silencing on multiple myeloma xenografts and angiogenesis in nude mice

In this study, we investigated the expression of RhoC in the multiple myeloma (MM) cell line RPMI- 8226, as well as the effects of silencing RhoC on the growth of tumor xenografts and tumor-induced angiogenesis in nude mice with MM. For this purpose, we transduced RPMI-8226 cells with lentiviral particles overexpressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) targeting RhoC. Tumor xenografts were generated by subcutaneously injecting nude mice with RPMI-8226 cells overexpressing control shRNA [negative control (NC) group] or the RhoC shRNA [the experimental (S) group], respectively. RhoC protein and mRNA levels in the tumor xenografts were measured. Nude mice were also subcutaneously inoculated with Matrigel mixed with vascular endothelial growth factor, and CD31 and KI67 levels in the tumor xenografts were measured by immunohistochemistry. Similarly, we assessed tumor xenograft growth and angiogenesis in Matrigel implants in the mice of both groups. We found that RhoC levels, microvessel density, and CD31 labeling index were more reduced in the S group than in the NC group. However, there was no significant difference in the size of tumor xenografts between the 2 groups. The number of new vessels and the neovascular length in the Matrigel implants were significantly lower in the S group than in the NC group. Therefore, we concluded that RhoC expression in myeloma xenografts has important effects on the induction of angiogenesis.

Ethnomedicine study on traditional medicinal plants in the Wuliang Mountains of Jingdong, Yunnan, China

BACKGROUND

The Wuliang Mountains of the Jingdong region is a settlement area of the Yi community located in south-western Yunnan Province in China. Due to its unique geographical location, this area harbours abundant medicinal plant resources. The medicinal plants used by the local people have a long history and play an important role in their daily life. During the long-term mixed lifestyle, the knowledge of traditional medicinal plants in different communities has been assimilated to some extent. Therefore, this paper is based on ethnobotanical investigations to document traditional medicinal plants used by local people and discuss the differences between the Yi and Han communities in the study area.

METHODS

Data on traditional medicinal plants were collected from September 2016 to August 2017 in the Yi autonomous county of Jingdong. Seven townships and 16 villages were selected for the field investigations. Information was obtained through key informant interviews. A total of 44 key informants were interviewed, and all of them were herbalists or herbal sellers.

RESULTS

In this study, a total of 302 traditional medicinal plant species belonging to 117 families and 252 genera were investigated and documented, most of which were obtained from herbalists. Although family Asteraceae was the most prevalent, with 27 species, the most commonly utilized species were members of family Papaveraceae, Dactylicapnos scandens (D. Don) Hutch., which is used as an antipyretic drug. Herbs comprised half of the total number of species, and the whole plant is the most frequently utilized plant part. The plants were used to treat more than 93 human diseases, with antipyretic drugs being the most common form of herbal medicine. The traditional medicinal plants used in the study area possess a high ratio of being documented in the literature. According to the analysis, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia recorded 76 species and the Resources of Traditional Chinese Medicine recorded 233 species of traditional medicinal plants. By evaluating the endangered status of the traditional medicinal plants in the study area, we found good conservation status of the cited medicinal plants. Regarding the similarity between the communities, there were significant differences between the Yi and Han communities, as indicated by the Jaccard similarity index (0.232).

CONCLUSIONS

Medicinal plants are the embodiment of wisdom from our ancestors and play a significant role in treating various human disorders. As one of the birthplaces of Yi medicine, the study area possesses a high species diversity of traditional medicinal plants used by local people. With the rapid development of modern medicine, however, the inheritance of this valuable culture is facing enormous threats even though its potential value has not yet been fully explored. Therefore, some effective protection measures should be taken, and some modern techniques should be implemented to prove the safety and improve the scientific acceptance of the traditional medicinal plants.

[The ratio of tuberculosis-specific antigen to phytohemagglutinin in T-SPOT assay in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the performance of the ratio of tuberculosis-specific antigen (TBAg) to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (TBAg/PHA ratio) in T-SPOT assay in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (ATB). Methods: Between January 2014 and January 2017, 378 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture positive patients (268 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, 110 extra-pulmonary tuberculosis) and 824 healthy individuals were recruited from Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. T-SPOT assay was performed and TBAg/PHA ratio was calculated in all the participants. To validate the study, another group of 223 MTB culture positive TB patients with positive T-SPOT results were recruited from Guangzhou Chest Hospital between January 2017 and December 2017. This was a retrospective case-control study and differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Of the 378 culture positive ATB patients, 344 patients had positive T-SPOT results. Of the 824 healthy individuals, 204 individuals had positive T-SPOT results. Using healthy individuals as the control group, the sensitivity and specificity of T-SPOT assay in the diagnosis of ATB were 91.0% (344/378) and 75.2% (620/824). Directly using T-SPOT results had a limited accuracy in distinguishing ATB from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was between 0.7 and 0.8. However, a further calculation of the TBAg/PHA ratio showed a better performance than TBAg in distinguishing these two conditions, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.881 (95% CI: 0.853-0.909). If using the threshold value of 0.234, the sensitivity and specificity of the TBAg/PHA ratio in distinguishing ATB from LTBI were 69.5% (239/344) and 94.12% (192/204). The validation data showed that the performance of the TBAg/PHA ratio in distinguishing ATB from LTBI was also satisfactory, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.901 (95% CI: 0.872-0.931). Furthermore, the TBAg/PHA ratio had an important role in the diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. If using the threshold value of 0.234, the sensitivity and specificity of the TBAg/PHA ratio in the diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis were 79.2% (76/96) and 94.1% (192/204). The area under the ROC curve was 0.932 (95% CI: 0.897-0.967). Conclusions: The TBAg/PHA ratio in T-SPOT assay was better than directly using T-SPOT results in distinguishing ATB from LTBI. This ratio also showed a potential use in the diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.

Knockdown of PLK1 inhibits invasion and promotes apoptosis in glioma cells through regulating autophagy

OBJECTIVE

Polo like kinase 1 (PLK1), an oncogene, is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine protein kinase. We aimed at investigating the role of PLK1 in glioma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical glioma specimens were obtained from Zhejiang Hospital (Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China). The mRNA and protein levels of PLK1 in glioma tissues and different glioma cells were analyzed by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The expression of PLK1 protein in glioma tissues was also determined by immunohistochemistry staining. Then, the effect of PLK1 on cell proliferation and apoptosis of U251 and U87 cells was analyzed by using CCK-8 assay and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively. Furthermore, the migration and invasion of glioma cells were examined by transwell assay. Finally, the protein levels of autophagy indicators LC3-II, ATG5 and p-p70 S6 in U251 and U87 cells were detected by Western blot, and the expression of E-cadherin, vimentin and MMP9 and apoptosis associated indicators Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in U251 cells were also determined using Western blot.

RESULTS

PLK1 was upregulated in glioma tissues and cells. Knockdown of PLK1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis of U87 and U251 glioma cells. Furthermore, the data demonstrated that knockdown of PLK1 significantly elevated expression of cleaved caspase-3, BIM, BAX, and E-cadherin, and reduced expression of MMP9, ATG5 and LC3-II in U251 and U87 cells. Additionally, we found that knockdown of PLK1 can inhibit autophagy in glioma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of PLK1 can inhibit the glioma development by suppressing the autophagy and enhancing the apoptosis of glioma cells. PLK1 may be a potential therapeutic target in gliomas.

Cockroach is a major cross-reactive allergen source in shrimp-sensitized rural children in southern China

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence of food allergy (FA) in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the disparity of FA between urban and rural areas in southern China.

METHODS

EuroPrevall questionnaire responses were obtained from 5542 school-age children in urban Guangzhou and 5319 in rural Shaoguan. A case-control study enrolled 190 children with adverse reactions (ARs) after food intake as cases and 212 controls in Guangzhou, whereas 116 cases and 233 controls in Shaoguan. These subjects underwent skin prick test (SPT) and serum IgE measurements to food and inhalant allergens. Allergen extracts from shrimp, house dust mite (HDM), and cockroach were prepared for IgE cross-reactivity testing in 23 Guangzhou and 20 Shaoguan shrimp-sensitized subjects.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ARs to shrimp was higher in Guangzhou than in Shaoguan children (3.5% vs 1.4%, P < .001). However, sensitization rate to shrimp (SPT: 3.7% vs 11.2%, P = .015; IgE: 12.6% vs 36.2%, P < .001) and cockroach (SPT: 5.3% vs 33.5%; IgE: 2.6% vs 27.6%, P < .001) was lower in Guangzhou. A significant correlation between shrimp and HDM/cockroach IgE was found in Shaoguan children. The proportions of positive IgE to tropomyosin (Pen a 1, Der p 10) were lower than 7.4% in both areas. Cockroach allergen has a significantly higher inhibition rate of binding to IgE to house dust mite allergens in Shaoguan sera.

CONCLUSION

Shrimp is a common allergic food in southern China. Higher proportion of shrimp sensitization in rural subjects could be explained by cross-reactivity to cockroach. Tropomyosin was not a major allergen responding to the cross-reactivity.

4-Phenylpyrimidine monolayer protection of a copper surface from salt corrosion

4-Phenylpyrimidine (4-PPM) containing N heteroatoms can easily form compact and uniform layers on metallic surfaces. In this work, the protection of a copper surface from corrosion in 3 wt% NaCl by a 4-PPM layer was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization methods. Under optimum conditions, the inhibition efficiency of a 4-PPM layer for copper corrosion reached 83.2%. Raman analysis in conjunction with calculations using density functional theory (DFT) based on the B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set suggested that the 4-PPM molecule anchored on the copper surface via the N₁ atom to construct a uniform layer.

The efficiency of a 4-phenylpyrimidine monolayer optimally self-assembled on a copper surface against corrosion by a 3 wt% NaCl solution could reach 83.2%.

Lobelia hongiana (Campanulaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China

Lobelia hongiana, a new species of Campanulaceae from Guangxi, South China, is described and illustrated here. This new species is most similar to L. chinensis and L. loochooensis, but differs by its elliptic-obovate or oblanceolate leaf, 2.5-3 mm long greenish-carmine hypanthium, 5 or 6 calyx lobes, purplish-white corolla, with yellowish-green blotches at the base of lower lobes, glabrous filaments, 7-8 mm long broadly obconic capsule. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has been conducted based on ITS and two chloroplast sequences (atpB and rbcL) and 14 taxa in Lobelia are included. L. hongiana is well supported as a new species by the evidence from both morphology and molecular phylogeny.

Immunomodulatory effects of T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells on cerebral ischemia

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between cerebral ischemia and immune effects. A total of 70 Kunming mice were randomly divided into two groups: a model group (60 mice) and a sham group (10 mice). The model group was divided into six subgroups (10 mice per group) which were categorized according to the following time periods of treatment: 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 5 days. The temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established using intracavitary suture. The degree of brain injury was evaluated by detecting the neurological deficit score (NDS). Following cerebral ischemia reperfusion, the edema of the brain tissue was aggravated, and the infarction area was increased. At 48 h, the volume of the cerebral infarction reached a peak (44.4±3.2%) and then it decreased. The NDS score gradually decreased, and the nerve function was gradually restored. At 6 h, the NDS score was 4.6±0.55, whereas at the 5 d time point, it was significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) to 2.2±0.45. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the percentage of Th17 cells increased gradually following ischemia. At 24 h, the percentage of Th17 cells reached its maximum value (0.70±0.10%) compared with the sham and the 5 d groups (P less than 0.05). At 24 h, the percentage of Th17 cells reached the lowest value (0.9±0.29%), whereas at the 5 d time point it increased significantly (3.2±0.49%) compared with the normal level (P less than 0.05). The secretion of Th17 and Treg-associated cytokines was consistent with the number of Th17 and Treg cells following ischemia. However, the levels of IL-17A in the brain tissues and the serum indicated a tendency to increase following the prolongation of ischemia. This marker reached the maximum levels on day 5. The IL-17 brain level was 77.9±5.11pg/ml, whereas the serum level was 29.44±3.06pg/ml. The changes in the secretion of the Th17 and Treg-related inflammatory cytokines were consistent with the changes in the cell ratio of Th17 and Treg cells. A significant correlation was noted between the two groups and the degree of ischemic brain injury. The results suggested that the functional status of Th17/Treg cells was imbalanced following cerebral ischemia.

Cryoneurolysis to treat the pain and symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the efficacy and safety/tolerability of cryoneurolysis for reduction of pain and symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, multicenter trial with a 6-month follow-up in patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA. Patients were randomized 2:1 to cryoneurolysis targeting the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) or sham treatment. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to Day 30 in the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score adjusted by the baseline score and site. Secondary endpoints, including visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and total WOMAC score, were tested in a pre-defined order.

RESULTS

The intent-to-treat (ITT) population consisted of 180 patients (n = 121 active treatment, n = 59 sham treatment). Compared to the sham group, patients who received active treatment had a statistically significant greater change from baseline in the WOMAC pain subscale score at Day 30 (P = 0.0004), Day 60 (P = 0.0176), and Day 90 (P = 0.0061). Patients deemed WOMAC pain responders at Day 120 continued to experience a statistically significant treatment effect at Day 150. Most expected side effects were mild in severity and resolved within 30 days. The incidence of device- or procedure-related adverse events was similar in the two treatment groups with no occurrence of serious or unanticipated adverse device effects (ADE).

CONCLUSIONS

Cryoneurolysis of the IPBSN resulted in statistically significant decreased knee pain and improved symptoms compared to sham treatment for up to 150 days, and appeared safe and well tolerated.

[The clinical characteristics of adult hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis treated with haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of adult patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) receiving haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HID HSCT). Method: We retrospectively reviewed 20 adult patients with HLH from August 2009 to August 2014.The clinical features and outcome were analyzed. Results: Conditioning regimens consisted of total body irradiation/etoposide/cyclophosphamide (TBI/VP-16/CTX) and busulfan (Bu)/VP-16/CTX in HLH with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) 8 mg/kg.The stem cells were mobilized from donors' peripheral blood.Median time to white blood cell engraftment was 13 (9-27) days.Median time to platelet engraftment was 14 (10-28) days.Mixed chimerism after transplantation developed in 4 patients and no patient presented graft failure.Eight patients developed grade Ⅱ to Ⅲ acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), while as chronic GVHD occurred in 9 patients.Among 12 patients with EB virus(EBV) reactivation, 2 patients developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), 7 were suspected as PTLD and 3 were considered as relapse of primary disease.With a median follow-up of 20 months (range: 0.5-108 months) after transplantation, the estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) rate was (60.0±11.0)% in all patients.During the follow-up, 12 patients survived, 8 died including 5 within 100 days after HSCT.Among 5 non-remission patients before HSCT, 4 patients died within 100 days after HCT. Conclusions: HID HSCT is an effective treatment for adult patients with HLH to achieve remission and long-term survival. High proportion of mixed chimerism has been seen at early stage after transplantation.EBV reactivation and early transplant-related mortality are common.

Downregulation of long non-coding RNA LINC01133 is predictive of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate long non-coding RNA LINC01133 (LINC01133) expressions in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, and discuss its correlation with CRC clinicopathological features and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was performed to measure expression levels of LINC01133 in CRC tissues. The chi-square test was used to assess LINC01133 expression with respect to clinicopathological parameters. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were performed to identify survival differences in CRC patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

LINC01133 was significantly down-regulated in CRC tissues compared to normal tissue samples (p < 0.001), and a low expression of LINC01133 was found to be significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.004), distant metastasis (p = 0.043), N classification (p = 0.022) and TNM stage (p = 0.011). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that high LINC01133 expression predicted significantly better overall survival (p = 0.0093). Finally, multivariate analysis results indicated that LINC01133 was an independent prognostic factor in CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that reduced LINC01133 expression contributed to CRC metastasis and poor prognosis. Thus, LINC01133 might serve as a promising biomarker for prognosis of CRC.

[The significance of pedigree genetic screening and rapid immunological parameters in the diagnosis of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]

目的

探讨家系基因筛查及快速免疫学指标检测在原发性噬血细胞综合征（HLH）诊断中的意义。

方法

通过对伴有PRF1、UNC13D及SH2D1A基因突变的4例原发性HLH患者展开家系调查，分别完成基因筛查及各项免疫学指标检测（包括NK细胞活性、CD107a检测及HLH相关缺陷蛋白表达测定），评价各项检测指标在原发性HLH诊断中的意义并探讨各项指标间的相关性。

结果

4个家系基因突变分别为PRF1基因错义突变c.T172C（p.S58P）和非框架移码突变c.1083_1094del (p.361_365del）；PRF1基因错义突变c.C1349T（p.T450M）和框架移码突变c.1090_1091delCT (p.T364fsX93）；UNC13D基因错义突变c.G2588A（p.G863D）；SH2D1A基因半合子错义突变c.32T>G (p.I11S）。先证者及家系成员分别存在不同程度的NK细胞活性降低，其中PRF1基因及SH2D1A基因突变家系HLH相关基因编码穿孔素蛋白、信号淋巴细胞活化分子相关蛋白（SAP）表达水平下降，UNC13D基因突变先证者及与其存在完全相同突变位点的家系成员细胞毒脱颗粒功能（CD107a表达）显著减低。

结论

开展家系基因筛查及快速免疫学指标检测对诊断原发性HLH具有重要意义，两者具有较好的一致性，其中快速免疫学指标检测作为一种高效的检测手段，可为原发性HLH的早期诊断提供可靠依据。

The complete mitochondrial genome of Ancherythroculter kurematsui (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Ancherythroculter kurematsui (A. kurematsui) is a unique small-size freshwater fish in southwest China. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of A. kurematsui was determined (GenBank accession number is KU234534). The mitochondrial genome sequence of A. kurematsui was a circular molecule with 16,621 bp in length, and contained 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes including 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and a control region (D-loop). Four nucleotide compositions and their relative proportions of the entire mitogenome was 27.69% C, 16.16% G, 31.21% A and 24.93% T, with an A + T and G + C contents being 56.14% and 43.86%, respectively.

The different effects of high-frequency stimulation of the nucleus accumbens shell and core on food consumption are possibly associated with different neural responses in the lateral hypothalamic area

Obesity may result from dysfunction of the reward system, especially in the nucleus accumbens (Acb). Based on this hypothesis, many researchers have tested the effect of high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the Acb shell (Acb-Sh) and/or core (Acb-Co) on ingestive behaviors, but few studies have explored the possible mechanisms involved in the differences between the Acb-Sh and Acb-Co. The present study tested effects of HFS of the Acb-Sh and Acb-Co on high-fat food (HFF) consumption in rats after 24h of food deprivation. Microdialysis and electrophysiological experiments were carried out in awake rats to explore potential mechanisms. The results showed that the Acb-Sh decreased HFF consumption after food deprivation both during and post-HFS. However, HFS of the Acb-Co did not induce similar changes in food consumption. HFS of the Acb-Sh (Sh-HFS) induced an increase in GABA level in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) during both phases, whereas HFS of the Acb-Co (Co-HFS) did not exhibit similar effects. The electrophysiological experiment showed that nearly all the LHA neurons were inhibited by Sh-HFS, and the mean firing rate decreased significantly both during and post-HFS. In contrast, the mean firing rate of the LHA neurons did not exhibit clear changes during Co-HFS, although some individual neurons appeared to exhibit responses to Co-HFS. Considering all the data, we postulated that Sh-HFS, rather than Co-HFS, might inhibit palatable food consumption after food deprivation by decreasing the reward value of that food, which suggested that it might also disturb the process of developing obesity. The mechanisms involved in the different effects of Sh-HFS and Co-HFS on food consumption may be associated with different neural responses in the LHA. The Acb-Sh has abundant GABAergic projections to the LHA, whereas the Acb-Co has few or no GABAergic innervations to the LHA. Thus, neural activity in the LHA exhibits different responses to Sh-HFS and Co-HFS.

Component-Resolved Diagnostic Study of Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus Major Allergen Molecules in a Southern Chinese Cohort

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Little is known about component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) sensitization in the Chinese population. We aimed to evaluate sensitization to Der p components in southern China.

METHODS

Two-hundred immunotherapy-naïve patients with asthma and/or rhinitis positive to specific IgE (sIgE) against Der p extract, along with 20 Der p-negative nonallergic healthy controls, were tested for sIgE against Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 10 using ImmunoCAP 100. Seventy-five were further examined with the ImmunoCAP Immuno Solid-phase Allergen Chip (ISAC). Der p 10-positive patients were also tested for sIgE against crude extracts of cockroach, moth, and shrimp.

RESULTS

In total, 183 (91.5%) of the 200 patients were sensitized to Der p 1 and/or Der p 2. The proportion of positive results and the median level of s1gE against Der p 1 were higher in children than in adults. Der p 1 and Der p 2 correlated with Der p in sIgE levels. ImmunoCAP ISAC demonstrated 100% specificity and 84% sensitivity in detecting Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 10 compared with ImmunoCAP 100. Sensitization to Der p 10 correlated well with sIgE to shrimp, moths, cockroaches, Pen m 1, Bla g 7, and Ani s 3.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of Der p 1 and Der p 2 provided a good reflection of atopy to Der p in a Chinese cohort. Sensitization to Der p 10 may result from cross-reactivity with seafood and cockroaches in coastal southern China. ImmunoCAP ISAC may be a useful tool for CRD, with comparable performance to ImmunoCAP 100.

Esculetin, a coumarin derivative, exerts in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity against hepatocellular carcinoma by initiating a mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway

This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity of esculetin against hepatocellular carcinoma, and clarified its potential molecular mechanisms. Cell viability was determined by the MTT (tetrazolium) colorimetric assay. In vivo antitumor activity of esculetin was evaluated in a hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Seventy-five C57BL/6J mice were implanted with Hepa1-6 cells and randomized into five groups (n=15 each) given daily intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (physiological saline), esculetin (200, 400, or 700 mg·kg-1·day-1), or 5-Fu (200 mg·kg-1·day-1) for 15 days. Esculetin significantly decreased tumor growth in mice bearing Hepa1-6 cells. Tumor weight was decreased by 20.33, 40.37, and 55.42% with increasing doses of esculetin. Esculetin significantly inhibited proliferation of HCC cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and with an IC50 value of 2.24 mM. It blocked the cell cycle at S phase and induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells with significant elevation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, but did not affect caspase-8 activity. Moreover, esculetin treatment resulted in the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential in vitro and in vivo accompanied by increased Bax expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression at both transcriptional and translational levels. Thus, esculetin exerted in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity in hepatocellular carcinoma, and its mechanisms involved initiation of a mitochondrial-mediated, caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway.

The MT2 receptor stimulates axonogenesis and enhances synaptic transmission by activating Akt signaling

The MT2 receptor is a principal type of G protein-coupled receptor that mainly mediates the effects of melatonin. Deficits of melatonin/MT2 signaling have been found in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, suggesting that preservation of the MT2 receptor may be beneficial to these neurological disorders. However, direct evidence linking the MT2 receptor to cognition-related synaptic plasticity remains to be established. Here, we report that the MT2 receptor, but not the MT1 receptor, is essential for axonogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. We find that axon formation is retarded in MT2 receptor knockout mice, MT2-shRNA electroporated brain slices or primary neurons treated with an MT2 receptor selective antagonist. Activation of the MT2 receptor promotes axonogenesis that is associated with an enhancement in excitatory synaptic transmission in central neurons. The signaling components downstream of the MT2 receptor consist of the Akt/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 cascade. The MT2 receptor C-terminal motif binds to Akt directly. Either inhibition of the MT2 receptor or disruption of MT2 receptor-Akt binding reduces axonogenesis and synaptic transmission. Our data suggest that the MT2 receptor activates Akt/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling and is necessary and sufficient to mediate functional axonogenesis and synaptic formation in central neurons.

The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib suppresses synovial JAK1-STAT signalling in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The pathways affected by tofacitinib and the effects on gene expression in situ are unknown. Therefore, tofacitinib effects on synovial pathobiology were investigated.

Methods

A randomised, double-blind, phase II serial synovial biopsy study (A3921073; NCT00976599) in patients with RA with an inadequate methotrexate response. Patients on background methotrexate received tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily or placebo for 28 days. Synovial biopsies were performed on Days -7 and 28 and analysed by immunoassay or quantitative PCR. Clinical response was determined by disease activity score and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response on Day 28 in A3921073, and at Month 3 in a long-term extension study (A3921024; NCT00413699).

Results

Tofacitinib exposure led to EULAR moderate to good responses (11/14 patients), while placebo was ineffective (1/14 patients) on Day 28. Tofacitinib treatment significantly reduced synovial mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 (p<0.05) and chemokines CCL2, CXCL10 and CXCL13 (p<0.05). No overall changes were observed in synovial inflammation score or the presence of T cells, B cells or macrophages. Changes in synovial phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3 strongly correlated with 4-month clinical responses (p<0.002). Tofacitinib significantly decreased plasma CXCL10 (p<0.005) at Day 28 compared with placebo.

Conclusions

Tofacitinib reduces metalloproteinase and interferon-regulated gene expression in rheumatoid synovium, and clinical improvement correlates with reductions in STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation. JAK1-mediated interferon and interleukin-6 signalling likely play a key role in the synovial response.

Trial registration number

NCT00976599.