[Analysis of the incidence and symptomatology of low anterior resection syndrome after laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer]

Objective: This study aims to explore the temporal trend of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) and its symptoms after laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was employed. The study included primary rectal (adenocarcinoma) cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020. Complete medical records and follow-up data at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively were available for all patients. A total of 1454 patients were included, of whom 1094 (75.2%) were aged ≤65 years, and 597 (41.1%) were females. Among them, 1040 cases (71.5%) had an anastomosis-to-anus distance of 0-5cm, and 86 cases (5.9%) received neoadjuvant treatment. All patients completed the Chinese version of the LARS questionnaire and their LARS occurrence and specific symptom information were recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. Considering past literature and clinical experience, further subgroup analyses were performed to explore the potential impact factors on severe LARS, including anastomosis level, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, and the presence of preventive stoma. Results: The occurrence rates of LARS at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively were 78.5% (1142/1454), 71.4% (1038/1454), 55.0% (799/1454), 45.7% (664/1454), and 45.7% (664/1454), respectively (χ2=546.180, P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the 12-month and 18-month time points (P>0.05). When compared with the symptoms at 3 months, the occurrence rates of gas incontinence [1.7% (24/1454) vs. 33.9% (493/1454)], liquid stool incontinence [3.9% (56/1454) vs. 41.9% (609/1454)], increased stool frequency [79.6% (1158/1454) vs. 95.9% (1395/1454)], stool clustering [74.3% (1081/1454) vs. 92.9% (1351/1454)], and stool urgency [46.5% (676/1454) vs. 78.7% (1144/1454)] in the LARS symptom spectrum were significantly alleviated at 12 months (all P<0.05) and remained stable beyond 12 months (all P>0.05). With the extension of postoperative time, the incidence rates of severe LARS exhibited a decreasing trend in different subgroups, of anastomosis level, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, and the presence of preventive stoma, and reached stability at 12 months postoperatively (all P>0.05). Conclusion: LARS and its specific symptom profile showed a trend of gradual improvement over time up to 1 year postoperatively, and stabilized after more than 1 year. Increased stool frequency and stool clustering are the most common features of abnormal bowel dys function, which improve slowly after surgery.

[Comparison of clinical effects of endoscopic thyroidectomy using the modified gasless transsubclavian approach and traditional open surgery for cN0 unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of endoscopic thyroidectomy using a modified gasless transsubclavian approach and the traditional neck approach for unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (cN0). Methods: The clinical data of 135 patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent unilateral thyroidectomy in the Department of Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University from October 2020 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 37 males and 98 females, aging (43.2±8.8) years (range: 21 to 59 years). There were 51 cases using the modified gasless transsubclavian approach (TS group) and 84 cases using the traditional neck approach (TN group). Comparative analyses were performed between the operative results of the 2 groups by t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and χ2 test. Results: All endoscopic operations were successfully completed without conversion to the traditional neck approach. Compared to the TN group, the TS group had a longer operation time (M(IQR)) (73.5 (22.5) minutes vs. 90.0 (30.0) minutes, Z=-5.831, P<0.01), more postoperative drainage (60 (25) ml vs. 95 (45) ml, Z=-6.275, P<0.01), higher hospitalization costs (22 687 (3 488) yuan vs. 26 652 (2 431) yuan, Z=-6.944, P<0.01), and a higher rate of parathyroid autotransplantation (15.5% (13/84) vs. 60.8% (31/51), χ2=29.651, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the total exposure rate of the central compartment, postoperative hospitalization time, the number of dissected lymph nodes, the number of metastatic lymph nodes, C-reactive protein ratio before and after operation, and preoperative and postoperative parathyroid hormone (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic thyroidectomy using the modified gasless transsubclavian approach is safe for cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma, with longer operating time, more postoperative drainage, higher hospitalization costs, and more difficulty in preserving the inferior parathyroid gland in situ compared to traditional open surgery.

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Morphology-Based Enrichment of Malignant Cells from Body Fluid

Cell morphology is a fundamental feature used to evaluate patient specimens in pathologic analysis. However, traditional cytopathology analysis of patient effusion samples is limited by low tumor cell abundance coupled with the high background of nonmalignant cells, restricting the ability of downstream molecular and functional analyses to identify actionable therapeutic targets. We applied the Deepcell platform that combines microfluidic sorting, brightfield imaging, and real-time deep learning interpretations based on multidimensional morphology to enrich carcinoma cells from malignant effusions without cell staining or labels. Carcinoma cell enrichment was validated with whole genome sequencing and targeted mutation analysis, which showed a higher sensitivity for detection of tumor fractions and critical somatic variant mutations that were initially at low levels or undetectable in presort patient samples. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and added value of supplementing traditional morphology-based cytology with deep learning, multidimensional morphology analysis, and microfluidic sorting.

[Research and exploration of salivary biological markers for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To study using isotope-labeled relative and absolute quantitative proteomics methodologies to screen for salivary biological markers as a simple, non-invasive tool for identifying hepatitis B-related HCC at an early stage. Methods: Saliva samples were collected to extract salivary proteins. Isotope-labeled relative and absolute quantitative proteomics were used to analyze the differentially expressed proteins between the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-HCC groups. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to verify differential proteins and identify markers in liver cancer tissues and saliva. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of salivary biomarkers. Results: 152 differentially expressed salivary proteins were screened out between the HCC and non-HCC groups. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays validated that the expressions of α-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM1) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were significantly increased in HCC (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between salivary AFP and serum AFP (P < 0.05). HCC was diagnosed when salivary α-1-acid glycoprotein 1 combined with AFP. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8726 (95% confidence interval: 0.8104 ~ 0.9347), the sensitivity was 78.3%, and the specificity was 88%. Conclusion: Salivary AFP and α-1-acid glycoprotein 1 can serve as potential biomarkers for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Discussion on how to optimize active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in China]

Active surveillance, as a first-line treatment strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, has been recommended by guidelines worldwide. However, active surveillance has not been widely accepted by doctors and patients in China. In view of the huge challenges faced by active surveillance, doctors should improve their understanding of the "low risk" of papillary thyroid micropapillary cancer, identify some intermediate or high-risk cases, be familiar with the criteria and methods of diagnosis for disease progression, and timely turn patients with disease progression into more active treatment strategies. By analyzing the long-term cost-effectiveness of active surveillance, it is clear that medical expense is only one cost form of medical activities, and the health cost (thyroid removal and surgical complications) paid by patients due to"over-diagnosis and over-treatment" is the most important. Moreover, the weakening of the patients' social function caused by surgical procedures is a more hidden and far-reaching cost. The formulation of health economic policies (including medical insurance) should promote the adjustment of diagnosis and treatment behavior to the direction which is conducive to the long-term life and treatment of patients, improving the overall health level of society and reducing the overall cost. At the same time, doctors should stimulate the subjective initiative of patients, help them fully understand the impact of various treatment methods on their psychological and physical status, support patients psychologically, and strengthen their confidence in implementing active surveillance. By strengthening multi-disciplinary treatment team and system support, doctors can achieve risk stratification of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, accurate judgment of disease progress, timely counseling for psychological problems, and long-term adherence to active surveillance. Improving the treatment level of advanced thyroid cancer is the key point of improve the prognosis. It is important to promote the development of active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. In the future, it is necessary to carry out multi-center prospective research and accumulate research evidence for promoting the standardization process of active surveillance. Standardized active surveillance will certainly benefit specific papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients.

Combinations of grape seed procyanidin extract and milk thistle silymarin extract against lung cancer - The role of MiR-663a and FHIT

AIMS

Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSE), and milk thistle silymarin extract (MTE) contain structurally distinct polyphenols, and each agent has been shown to exert antineoplastic effects against lung cancer. We hypothesize that combinations of GSE and MTE will additively enhance their anticancer effects against lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-proliferative effects of GSE, MTE and combinations were evaluated in lung neoplastic cell lines. A dose range finding (DRF) study to determine safety, bioavailability and bioactivity, followed by human lung cancer xenograft efficacy studies were conducted in female nude mice with once daily gavage of leucoselect phytosome (LP), a standardized GSE, and/or siliphos, a standardized MTE. The roles of tumor suppressors miR-663a and its predicted target FHIT in mediating the additive, anti-proliferative effecs of GSE/MTE were also assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

GSE with MTE additively inhibited lung preneoplastic and cancer cell proliferations. Mice tolerated all dosing regimens in the DRF study without signs of clinical toxicity nor histologic abnormalities in the lungs, livers and kidneys. Eight weeks of LP and siliphos additively inhibited lung tumor xenograft growth. Plasma GSE/metabolites and MTE/metabolites showed that the combinations did not decrease systemic bioavailabilities of each agent. GSE and MTE additively upregulated miR-663a and FHIT in lung cancer cell lines; transfection of antisense-miR-663a significantly abrogated the anti-proliferative effects of GSE/MTE, upregulation of FHIT mRNA and protein. LP and siliphos also additively increased miR-663a and FHIT protein in lung tumor xenografts.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings support clinical translations of combinations of GSE and MTE against lung cancer.

Index-based dietary patterns and stomach cancer in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVES

Dietary factors are of importance in the development of stomach cancer. This study aims to examine index-based dietary patterns associated with stomach cancer in a Chinese population.

METHODS

Using data from a population-based case-control study conducted in Jiangsu Province, China, we included a total of 8432 participants (1900 stomach cancer cases and 6532 controls). Dietary data collected by food frequency questionnaire was evaluated by modified Chinese Healthy Eating Index-2016 (mCHEI-2016) and the US Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015). Multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the association of mCHEI-2016 and HEI-2015 with stomach cancer while adjusting for potential confounders. The possible interactions between mCHEI-2016 or HEI-2015 and established risk factors were explored.

RESULTS

Among nonproxy interviews, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, a higher score of sodium, reflecting lower intake per day, was inversely associated with stomach cancer [odds ratio (OR), 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99 for mCHEI-2016; OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99 for HEI-2015]. No clear associations with stomach cancer were identified for total scores of HEI-2015 (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.87-1.10 with a 10-point increase, P trend = 0.98) and mCHEI-2016 (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.94-1.17 with a 10-point increase, P trend = 0.22). However, the relation between stomach cancer and the mCHEI-2016 was modified by BMI, with a possible inverse association in normal-weight subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that reduced intake of dietary sodium would prevent the development of stomach cancer. The data indicate a heterogeneity between normal weight and overweight's dietary factors in relation to stomach cancer.

[Epidemiological characteristics and diagnosis of imported malaria cases in Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the epidemiological features and diagnosis of imported malaria cases in Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2020, so as to provide the scientific evidence for the management of imported malaria in the province.

METHODS

The data of malaria cases reported in Zhejiang Province were captured from the Information Management System for Parasitic Disease Control of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention from 2017 to 2020, and the temporal, spatial and human distribution, and initial and definitive diagnosis of imported malaria cases were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 593 malaria cases were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2020, and all were overseas imported cases, including 532 men and 61 women, with a mean age of 41 years. There were 93.93% of the malaria cases from African countries, and the malaria parasites infecting these cases included Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and mixed infections, with P. falciparum as the predominant species (76.73%, 455/593). All malaria cases received totally correct initial diagnoses in county- and city-level centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) and entry-exit inspection and quarantine sectors, and the proportion of malaria cases with confirmation at the day of initial diagnosis was 41.48% (207/499) in medical institutions and 66.18% (45/68) in CDC (χ² = 14.779, P < 0.001). In addition, the median interval [M (Q_R)] of malaria cases was 1 (2) d from onset to initial diagnosis and 1 (2) d from initial diagnosis to confirmation in Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2020, and the median interval [M (Q_R)] of severe malaria cases was significantly longer than that of non-severe cases [2 (3) d vs. 1 (2) d; Z = -3.002, P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Zhejiang Province faces great challenges of malaria control, and post-elimination surveillance of malaria still requires to be reinforced. Meanwhile, the awareness of seeking medical services requires to be improved among returners from malaria-endemic regions and the diagnostic capability of malaria requires to be improved among medical professionals.

[Investigation on occupational hazards in 20 automobile manufacturing enterprises in Shandong Province]

Objective: To investigate the current situation of occupational hazards in automobile manufacturing enterprises in Shandong Province. Methods: From February to May 2019, the convenience sampling method was adopted to conduct on-site occupational health surveys with 20 automobile manufacturing enterprises in Shandong Province as the survey subjects, to detect the occupational hazard factors in the workplaces and individual exposure levels, and to analyze the occupational health check results of operators. Results: There were 13 small-sized, 4 medium-sized and 3 large-sized enterprises among the 20 automobile manufacturing enterprises. The detection results of benzene and toluene in the workplaces met the occupational exposure limits, and the detection results of welding fumes, manganese and its compounds, and xylene exceed the occupational exposure limits. The maximum short-term exposure concentration (C(STE)) of welding fume in the air of workplaces was 24.23 mg/m(3), and the over-standard rate was 11.0% (16/146) . The maximum time-weighted average concentration (C(TWA)) of welding fume of operators is 10.60 mg/m(3), and the over-standard rate was 11.0% (8/73) . The maximum C(STE) of manganese and its compounds in the air of workplaces was 0.879 mg/m(3), and the of manganese and its compounds of operators was 0.175 mg/m(3), and the over-standard rate was 5.7% (4/70) . The maximum xylene C(STE) in the air of workplaces was 230.00 mg/m(3), and the over-standard rate was 3.9% (2/51) . The maximum xylene C(TWA) of operators was 70.40 mg/m(3), the over-standard rate was 3.6% (1/28) . Among the 4775 workers exposed to occupational hazards, 38 (0.80%) were suspected of electric welder's pneumoconiosis, 27 (0.57%) were suspected of manganese poisoning and 31 (0.65%) were suspected of chronic low-concentration benzene and benzene series poisoning. The detection rates of suspected occupational diseases among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises were relatively high, 2.86% (30/1048) and 4.51% (51/1132) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rates of suspected occupational diseases among the operators of different scale automobile manufacturers (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The exposure levels of electric welding fumes, manganese and its compounds in welding jobs and xylene exposure levels in spray painting jobsin Shandong Province's automobile manufacturing enterprises are more serious. The supervision and management of occupational hygiene should be strengthened, the working environment should be improved, and the health of welding and painting workers should be protected.

Single Cell Mechanotype and Associated Molecular Changes in Urothelial Cell Transformation and Progression

Cancer cell mechanotype changes are newly recognized cancer phenotypic events, whereas metastatic cancer cells show decreased cell stiffness and increased deformability relative to normal cells. To further examine how cell mechanotype changes in early stages of cancer transformation and progression, an in vitro multi-step human urothelial cell carcinogenic model was used to measure cellular Young's modulus, deformability, and transit time using single-cell atomic force microscopy, microfluidic-based deformability cytometry, and quantitative deformability cytometry, respectively. Measurable cell mechanotype changes of stiffness, deformability, and cell transit time occur early in the transformation process. As cells progress from normal, to preinvasive, to invasive cells, Young's modulus of stiffness decreases and deformability increases gradually. These changes were confirmed in three-dimensional cultured microtumor masses and urine exfoliated cells directly from patients. Using gene screening and proteomics approaches, we found that the main molecular pathway implicated in cell mechanotype changes appears to be epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

[Cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in China]

Objective: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of primary prophylaxis (PP) with pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF), PP with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) and no prophylaxis in women with early-stage breast cancer in China. Methods: Two phase Markov models were constructed for a hypothetical cohort of patients aged 45 with stage Ⅱ breast cancer. The first phase modelled costs and outcomes of 4 cycles docetaxel combined with cyclophosphamide [TC×4, febrile neutropenia (FN) risk>20%] chemotherapy, which assumptions based on literature reviews, including FN rates [base-case (deterministic sensitivity analysis range), 0.29 (0.24-0.35)] and related events [FN case-fatality, 3.4 (2.7-4.1)]. Second phase modelled the long term survival which was link with the relative dose intensity (RDI) [mortality hazard ratio (HR) of RDI < 85% vs ≥85%, 1.45 (1.00-2.32)]. Clinical effectiveness, therapeutic costs, and economic utilities were estimated from peer-reviewed publications and expert opinions in case of unavailability of published evidences. Results: Compared to rhG-CSF PP and no prophylaxis, the cost of PEG-rhG-CSF PP increased to 5 208.19 RMB and 5 222.73 RMB, respectively. The quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) enhanced to 0.066 and 0.297, respectively. Accordingly, the incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are 79 146.3 RMB and 17 558.77 RMB per QALY, which were both below the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of three times GDP per capita (18, 000 RMB) recommended by the WHO. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the more clinically effective the primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. And the lower the mortality HR of RDI<85% vs ≥85% is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. Conclusion: Although the cost of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is higher, considering the additional benefits, the administrating of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to PP rhG-CSF and no prophylaxis in patients with early stage breast cancer whose FN risks are more than 20% in China.

[Application of imaging diagnosis in watch and wait strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy]

After neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT), 15%-40% of rectal cnacers has a pathological complete response (pCR), with non-malignant cells demonstrated in histological assessment of the surgical resection specimen. Since these patients have excellent oncological outcomes, there has been a rapidly growing interest in organ preservation for those who achieve a clinical complete response (cCR), that is "Watch and Wait strategy" (W&W). One of the major challenges in the W&W of rectal cancer is the careful and precise selection of patients suitable for this approach. The published series on W&W has all used different modalities to assess response post nCRT, including the MSKCC's three-tiered evaluation plan and Mercury's mrTRG criteria. Except significant heterogeneous results, the evidence available comes mostly from retrospective cohort studies, furthermore, there is a lack of data of long-term outcomes. How to accurately screen pCR patients preoperatively is an important and difficult issue of clinical concern.

Bioavailability and bioactivity of free ellagic acid compared to pomegranate juice

Pomegranates are an excellent source of ellagic acid (EA), ellagitannins (ETs), anthocyanins and other phytochemicals. The health benefits of pomegranate (Pom) have been mainly related to its EA and ET content. The objective of the present study was to determine EA bioavailability and bioactivity from different sources such as pure/free or natural form (PomJ). This was a cross-over study with healthy volunteers consuming one dose of EA dietary supplement (500 mg free EA) vs. one serving of PomJ (237 mL, ∼120 mg of EA) in a random order. Our data showed that there was no difference in plasma EA concentration between PomJ and EA intake; however, urinary dimethylellagic acid glucuronide (DMEAG), normalized to creatinine, was significantly higher after the consumption of PomJ compared to EA. Plasma insulin at 1 h increased after PomJ consumption compared to the baseline while decreased after EA consumption compared to the baseline. Plasma glucose decreased below the baseline 2 h after the consumption of PomJ but not EA. Plasma leptin was significantly decreased at 1 and 2 h after PomJ and EA consumption. Plasma MCP1 decreased only after PomJ but not after pure EA consumption. To conclude, one serving of PomJ provided the same level of EA in blood, while the increase in phase II metabolism of EA and an acute suppression of plasma MCP1 were only observed after PomJ consumption, suggesting that other constituents present in PomJ, in addition to EA, are bioactive and likely play a role in regulating EA phase II metabolism.

Raw Garlic Consumption and Risk of Liver Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Eastern China

Although the major risk factors for liver cancer have been established, preventive factors for liver cancer have not been fully explored. We evaluated the association between raw garlic consumption and liver cancer in a large population-based case-control study in Eastern China. The study was conducted in Jiangsu, China, from 2003 to 2010. A total of 2011 incident liver cancer cases and 7933 randomly selected population-controls were interviewed. Epidemiological data including raw garlic intake and other exposures were collected, and serum markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were assayed. Overall, eating raw garlic twice or more per week was inversely associated with liver cancer, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62–0.96) compared to those ingesting no raw garlic or less than twice per week. In stratified analyses, high intake of raw garlic was inversely associated with liver cancer among Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative individuals, frequent alcohol drinkers, those having history of eating mold-contaminated food or drinking raw water, and those without family history of liver cancer. Marginal interactions on an additive scale were observed between low raw garlic intake and HBsAg positivity (attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.01–0.62) and heavy alcohol drinking (AP = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.00–0.57). Raw garlic consumption is inversely associated with liver cancer. Such an association shed some light on the potential etiologic role of garlic intake on liver cancer, which in turn might provide a possible dietary intervention to reduce liver cancer in Chinese population.

A Pilot Study of a Grape Seed Procyanidin Extract for Lung Cancer Chemoprevention

Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSE) had been reported to exert antineoplastic properties in preclinical studies. A modified phase I, open-label, dose-escalation clinical study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, MTD, and potential chemopreventive effects of leucoselect phytosome (LP), a standardized GSE complexed with soy phospholipids to enhance bioavailability, in heavy active and former smokers. Eight subjects ages 46-68 years were enrolled into the study and treated with escalating oral doses of LP for 3 months. Bronchoscopies with bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial biopsies were performed before and after 3 months of LP treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin stain for histopathology grading and IHC examination for Ki-67 proliferative labeling index (Ki-67 LI) were carried out on serially matched bronchial biopsy samples from each subject to determine responses to treatment. Two subjects were withdrawn due to issues unrelated to the study medication, and a total of 6 subjects completed the full study course. In general, 3 months of LP, reaching the highest dose per study protocol was well tolerated and no dosing adjustment was necessary. Such a treatment regimen significantly decreased bronchial Ki-67 LI by an average of 55% (P = 0.041), with concomitant decreases in serum miR-19a, -19b, and -106b, which were oncomirs previously reported to be downregulated by GSE, including LP, in preclinical studies. In spite of not reaching the original enrollment goal of 20, our findings nonetheless support the continued clinical translation of GSE as an antineoplastic and chemopreventive agent against lung cancer.

Dietary Intake of Fatty Acids, Total Cholesterol, and Stomach Cancer in a Chinese Population

To investigate the associations between dietary fatty acids and cholesterol consumption and stomach cancer (SC), we analyzed data from a population-based case-control study with a total of 1900 SC cases and 6532 controls. Dietary data and other risk or protective factors were collected by face-to-face interviews in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2003 to 2010. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multiple unconditional logistic regression models and an energy-adjusted method. The joint associations between dietary factors and known risk factors on SC were examined. We observed positive associations between dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and total cholesterol and the development of SC, comparing the highest versus lowest quarters. Increased intakes of dietary SFAs (p-trend = 0.005; aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01–1.22 with a 7 g/day increase as a continuous variable) and total cholesterol (p-trend < 0.001; aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.22 with a 250 mg/day increase as a continuous variable) were monotonically associated with elevated odds of developing SC. Our results indicate that dietary SFAs, MUFAs, and total cholesterol are associated with stomach cancer, which might provide a potential dietary intervention for stomach cancer prevention.

Mixed Spices at Culinary Doses Have Prebiotic Effects in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study

Spices were used as food preservatives prior to the advent of refrigeration, suggesting the possibility of effects on microbiota. Previous studies have shown prebiotic activities in animals and in vitro, but there has not been a demonstration of prebiotic or postbiotic effects at culinary doses in humans. In this randomized placebo-controlled study, we determined in twenty-nine healthy adults the effects on the gut microbiota of the consumption daily of capsules containing 5 g of mixed spices at culinary doses by comparison to a matched control group consuming a maltodextrin placebo capsule. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing data were used for microbial characterization. Spice consumption resulted in a significant reduction in Firmicutes abundance (p < 0.033) and a trend of enrichment in Bacteroidetes (p < 0.097) compared to placebo group. Twenty-six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were different between the spice and placebo groups after intervention. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between fecal short-chain fatty acid propionate concentration and Firmicutes abundance in spice intervention group (p < 0.04). The production of individual fecal short-chain fatty acid was not significantly changed by spice consumption in this study. Mixed spices consumption significantly modified gut microbiota, suggesting a prebiotic effect of spice consumption at culinary doses.

Grape seed procyanidin extract against lung cancer: the role of microrna-106b, bioavailability, and bioactivity

MiR-106b is an oncomir and a potential target for anti-cancer therapy. We hypothesize that grape seed procyanidin extract (GSE) exerts antineoplastic effects on lung cancer through modulations of miR-106b and its downstream target. We found that GSE significantly down-regulated miR-106b in a variety of lung neoplastic cells and increased cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) mRNA and protein (p21) levels. Transfection of miR-106b mimics reversed the up-regulations of CDKN1A mRNA and p21, abrogated the GSE induced anti-proliferative and anti-invasive properties in lung cancer cells. Oral gavage of leucoselect phytosome (LP), a standardized GSE to athymic nude mice down-regulated MIR106B mRNA and miR-106b expressions, and increased CDKN1A mRNA expression in tumor xenografts, correlating to significant reduction of tumor growth. To assess bioavailability, GSE and metabolites in plasma levels, between 60-90 minutes after gavage of LP were measured by LC/MS at treatment week 4 and 8. A novel bioactivity assay was also developed using lung homogenates from treated mice co-cultured with human lung cancer cells. LP-treated mouse lung homogenates significantly reduced proliferations of various lung cancer cells. Our findings reveal novel antineoplastic mechanisms by GSE, further define the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LP, and support the continued investigation of LP against lung cancer.

Fluorescent sensing and selective adsorption properties of metal-organic frameworks with mixed tricarboxylate and 1H-imidazol-4-yl-containing ligands

Herein, two metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [Co₄(μ₃-OH)₂(L)(BTB)₂(H₂O)₃]·5.6H₂O (1) and [Cd₃(L)₂(BTB)₂(μ₂-H₂O)]·7.4H₂O (2), based on 1,3-di(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene (L) and 1,3,5-tri(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H₃BTB), respectively, have been achieved. Compound 1 is a porous three-dimensional (3D) framework with butterfly-like tetranuclear clusters as 7-connected nodes, and compund 2 is a 3D net with a different topology. Remarkably, compounds 1 and 2 exhibit selective adsorption of CO₂ over N₂ and methyl orange (MO) dye molecules. Magnetic measurements reveal that there are antiferromagnetic interactions within the tetranuclear cluster in 1. Furthermore, 2 was well-dispersed in different solvents, and their luminescent properties were investigated, and the results indicated that 2 could be considered as a potential luminescent probe for the detection of ketone molecules.

Prebiotic Potential and Chemical Composition of Seven Culinary Spice Extracts

The objective of this study was to investigate prebiotic potential, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of spice extracts. Seven culinary spices including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger, Mediterranean oregano, rosemary, and turmeric were extracted with boiling water. Major chemical constituents were characterized by RP-HPLC-DAD method and antioxidant capacity was determined by measuring colorimetrically the extent to scavenge ABTS radical cations. Effects of spice extracts on the viability of 88 anaerobic and facultative isolates from intestinal microbiota were determined by using Brucella agar plates containing serial dilutions of extracts. A total of 14 phenolic compounds, a piperine, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde were identified and quantitated. Spice extracts exhibited high antioxidant capacity that correlated with the total amount of major chemicals. All spice extracts, with the exception of turmeric, enhanced the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. All spices exhibited inhibitory activity against selected Ruminococcus species. Cinnamon, oregano, and rosemary were active against selected Fusobacterium strains and cinnamon, rosemary, and turmeric were active against selected Clostridium spp. Some spices displayed prebiotic-like activity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, suggesting their potential role in the regulation of intestinal microbiota and the enhancement of gastrointestinal health. The identification and quantification of spice-specific phytochemicals provided insight into the potential influence of these chemicals on the gut microbial communities and activities. Future research on the connections between spice-induced changes in gut microbiota and host metabolism and disease preventive effect in animal models and humans is needed.

[Effects of Tengmei Decoction on the PPAR-y/NF-KB Signaling Pathway in Synovium of Collagen-in- duced Arthritis Rats]

Objective To observe the effects of Tengmei Decoction (TMD) on the expressions of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) , nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) , and IL- 17 in synovium of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats, and to study its molecular mechanismpf. inhibi- ting synovial immune inflammatory injuries. Methods CIA model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, the positive drug ,oup, high and low dose TMD groups, 6 in each group. Besides, a normal group was set up (n =6). Deionized water (10 mL . kg⁻¹ . d⁻¹) was administrated to rats in the normal group and the model group by gastro- gavage. Leflunomide (1. 87 mg . kg ⁻¹ . d ⁻¹) was administrated to rats in the positive drug group by gastro- gavage. TMD (31. 8 g crude drugs . kg ⁻¹ . d ⁻¹ and 15. 9 g crude drugs . kg ⁻¹ . d ⁻¹) was administrated to rats in high and low dose TMD groups respectively by gastrogavage. The intervention lasted for 12 suc- cessive weeks. Protein and mRNA levels of PPARy, P65, and IL-17 were detected at the end of intervention. Results Compared with the normal group, mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ, P65, and IL-17 were up-regulated in the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, PPARγ pro- tein expression level was up-regulated, mRNA and protein expression levels of P65 and IL-17 were down-regulated in high dose TMD group (P <0. 01). mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ were up-regulated, mRNA and protein expression levels of P65 and IL-17 were down-regulated in the positive drug group and low dose TMD group (P <0. 01). Conclusions TMD could ameliorate pathological damage of joint synovium , and inhibit expressions of immune inflammatory factors.

Metal–organic frameworks with 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene and varied carboxylate ligands for selectively sensing Fe(iii) ions and ketone molecules

Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) frameworks have potential for sensing Fe(iii) and ketone molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity.

Grape Seed Procyanidin Extract Mediates Antineoplastic Effects against Lung Cancer via Modulations of Prostacyclin and 15-HETE Eicosanoid Pathways

Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSE) has been reported to exert antineoplastic properties via the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) eicosanoid pathways. In addition, ample data link carcinogenesis to inflammatory events involving other major eicosanoid metabolic pathways, including prostacyclin (PGI₂) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). We therefore evaluated the effects of GSE on prostacyclin synthase (PTGIS)/PGI₂ and 15-lipoxigenase-2 (15-LOX-2)/15-HETE productions by human lung premalignant and malignant cells and correlated the findings with antiproliferative or proapoptotic effects of GSE. The effects of GSE on PGI₂ and 15-HETE productions by human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells ex vivo were also determined. We further evaluated the bioactivity of oral administration of leucoselect phytosome (a standardized GSE) in the lungs of subjects participating in a lung cancer chemoprevention trial, by comparing the antiproliferative effects of coculturing matched pre- versus posttreatment BAL fluids with lung premalignant and malignant cells. GSE significantly increased PGI₂ (as measured by 6-keto PGF1α) and 15-HETE productions by these cells. Transfections of PTGIS or 15-LOX-2-specific siRNA partially abrogated the antiproliferative or proapoptotic effects of GSE in lung premalignant and malignant cells, respectively. GSE also increased PTGIS and inhibition of caspase-3, and transfection of 15-LOX-2 siRNA abrogated the GSE-induced apoptosis in A549 cells. In addition, culture supernatants from ex vivo GSE-treated baseline BAL cells, as well as BAL fluids from subjects treated with leucoselect phytosome, significantly decreased proliferations of lung premalignant and malignant cells. Our findings support the continued investigation of GSE as an anti-neoplastic and chemopreventive agent against lung cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 9(12); 925-32. ©2016 AACR.

Association of sugary beverages with survival among patients with cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract

PURPOSE

The role of consumption of added sugars in cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) is unclear. We examined associations between sugary beverages and susceptibility to UADT cancer as well as overall survival among UADT cancer patients.

METHODS

The association between dietary added sugar and susceptibility to UADT cancers or overall survival among 601 UADT cancer cases was evaluated using data from a population-based case-control study conducted in Los Angeles County. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for cancer susceptibility, and Cox regression was used to estimate hazards ratios (HRs) with 95 % CIs for survival, adjusting for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 248 deaths were observed during follow-up (median 12.1 years). A positive association was observed with consumption of grams of sugar from beverages, including soft drinks and fruit juices, and poorer survival among UADT cancer cases (aHR, Q4 vs. Q1:1.88; 95 % CI 1.29, 2.72; p for trend = 0.002), as well as servings of sugary beverages (aHR, Q4 vs. Q1: 95 % CI 1.97, 95 % CI 1.32-2.93). This was due largely to consumption of sugars from soft drinks. Particularly, high consumption of sugary beverages was associated with poorer survival among esophageal cancer cases, driven by squamous cancers. No association was observed between sugary beverages and cancer susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that consumption of sugary beverages may decrease survival associated with UADT cancers. Additional studies should be conducted to examine survival among cancer patients consuming high amounts of added or refined sugars. Such studies may highlight prognostic factors for UADT cancers.

Comparison of effects of 18F-FDG PET-CT and MRI in identifying and grading gliomas

Glioma is the most common type of brain tumor. Malignant gliomas tend to have an increasingly higher incidence and are difficult to treat. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of the grade of glioma before surgery is very important for planning surgery and determining prognosis. To compare the values of ¹⁸F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for identifying and grading gliomas, we selected 70 patients who were diagnosed as having a primary glioma or suspected glioma at the People’s Hospital of Liaocheng in Shandong, China, and divided them into an observation group, which was examined by ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT and a control group, which was examined by MRI. Image analysis, visual semi-quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis, follow-up and pathological results of the two groups were compared. Specificity, accuracy and sensitivity of brain MRI and PET-CT in grading the gliomas were calculated, and the results obtained were processed by Chi-squared test. Standard uptake value (SUV), SUV_correct and L/WM (SUV_max ratio of a lesion to normal white matters in the opposite side) of FDG in the different grades of glioma were analyzed by single-factor variance analysis. Postoperative pathological detection confirmed 47 cases of glioma; the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET-CT in grading glioma were all higher than those of MRI (P less than 0.05); the correlation between SUV and glioma grade, between SUV_correct and glioma grade, and between L/WM and glioma had significant difference (P less than 0.05). Thus, it was concluded that ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT performs better in diagnosing gliomas than MRI and is also more suitable for identifying different grades of glioma.

MicroRNA-19a/b mediates grape seed procyanidin extract-induced anti-neoplastic effects against lung cancer

Oncomirs are microRNAs (miRNA) associated with carcinogenesis and malignant transformation. They have emerged as potential molecular targets for anti-cancer therapy. We hypothesize that grape seed procyanidin extract (GSE) exerts antineoplastic effects through modulations of oncomirs and their downstream targets. We found that GSE significantly down-regulated oncomirs miR-19a and -19b in a variety of lung neoplastic cells. GSE also increased mRNA and protein levels of insulin-like growth factor II receptor (IGF-2R) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), both predicted targets of miR-19a and -19b. Furthermore, GSE significantly increased PTEN activity and decreased AKT phosphorylation in A549 cells. Transfection of miR-19a and -19b mimics reversed the up-regulations of IGF2R and PTEN gene expression and abrogated the GSE induced anti-proliferative response. Additionally, oral administration of leucoselect phytosome, comprised of standardized grape seed oligomeric procyanidins complexed with soy phospholipids, to athymic nude mice via gavage, significantly down-regulated miR-19a, -19b and the miR-17-92 cluster host gene (MIR17HG) expressions, increased IGF-2R, PTEN, decreased phosphorylated-AKT in A549 xenograft tumors, and markedly inhibited tumor growth. To confirm the absorption of orally administered GSE, plasma procyanidin B1 levels, between 60 and 90 min after gavage of leucoselect phytosome (400 mg/kg), were measured by LC/MS at week 2 and 8 of treatment; the estimated concentration that was associated with 50% growth inhibition (IC50) (1.3 μg/mL) in vitro was much higher than the IC50 (0.032-0.13 μg/ml) observed in vivo. Our findings reveal novel antineoplastic mechanisms by GSE and support the clinical translation of leucoselect phytosome as an anti-neoplastic and chemopreventive agent for lung cancer.

[Analysis of quality of life and emotion symptoms in adolescents with allergic rhinitis in middle area of Jiangsu Province]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of life and emotion symptoms (anxiety symptom and depressive symptom) of adolescents with allergic rhinitis (AR) in middle area of Jiangsu province.

METHODS

A case-control study on quality of life and emotion symptoms among 220 AR adolescents and 240 controls was performed. The participants were investigated by questionnaires of RQLQ, ICD, and SCARED.SPSS 13.0 software was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The scores of RQLQ five dimensions with AR were higher than the controlled subjects respectively(all P<0.01). The score of SCARED((24.15±4.89) vs (19.13±3.17)) but not ICD((20.78±4.4) vs (19.97±3.45)) in AR was higher than the controlled subjects(t=12.79, P<0.05; t=2.34, P>0.05). Furthermore, anxiety symptom was significantly associated with nasal symptoms, other problems and behavior problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of life and emotion symptoms were significantly affected by AR. It is important to pay attention to overall health in AR adolescents.

Associations of red and processed meat with survival among patients with cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract and lung

The effect of red and processed meats on cancer survival is unclear. We sought to examine the role of total and processed red meat consumption on all-cause mortality among patients with cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) and lung, in order to test our hypothesis that red or processed meat was associated with overall mortality in these patients. Using data from a population-based case-control study conducted in Los Angeles County, we conducted a case-only analysis to examine the association of red or processed meat consumption on mortality after 12 years of follow-up, using a diet history questionnaire. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders. Of 601 UADT cancer cases and 611 lung cancer cases, there were 248 and 406 deaths, respectively, yielding crude mortality rates of 0.07 and 0.12 deaths per year. Comparing the highest with lowest quartile of red meat consumption, the adjusted HR was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.04-2.57) among UADT cancer cases; for red or processed meat, the adjusted HR was 1.76 (95% CI, 1.10-2.82). A dose-response trend was observed. A weaker association was observed with red meat consumption and overall mortality among lung cancer cases. In conclusion, this case-only analysis demonstrated that increased consumption of red or processed meats was associated with mortality among UADT cancer cases and WAS weakly associated with mortality among lung cancer cases.

Pomegranate extract induces ellagitannin metabolite formation and changes stool microbiota in healthy volunteers

The health benefits of pomegranate (POM) consumption are attributed to ellagitannins and their metabolites, formed and absorbed in the intestine by the microbiota. In this study twenty healthy participants consumed 1000 mg of POM extract daily for four weeks. Based on urinary and fecal content of the POM metabolite urolithin A (UA), we observed three distinct groups: (1) individuals with no baseline UA presence but induction of UA formation by POM extract consumption (n = 9); (2) baseline UA formation which was enhanced by POM extract consumption (N = 5) and (3) no baseline UA production, which was not inducible (N = 6). Compared to baseline the phylum Actinobacteria was increased and Firmicutes decreased significantly in individuals forming UA (producers). Verrucomicrobia (Akkermansia muciniphila) was 33 and 47-fold higher in stool samples of UA producers compared to non-producers at baseline and after 4 weeks, respectively. In UA producers, the genera Butyrivibrio, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Serratia and Veillonella were increased and Collinsella decreased significantly at week 4 compared to baseline. The consumption of pomegranate resulted in the formation of its metabolites in some but not all participants. POM extract consumption may induce health benefits secondary to changes in the microbiota.

Astrocytic Cx 43 and Cx 40 in the mouse hippocampus during and after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus

Astrocytes have now been well accepted to play important roles in epileptogenesis by controlling gliotransmitter release and neuronal excitability, contributing to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and involving in brain inflammation. Recent studies indicate that abnormal expression of gap junction protein connexin (Cx) may also be a contributing factor for seizure generation. To further address this issue, we investigated the progressive changes of Cx 43 and Cx 40 in the mouse hippocampus at 4 h, 1 day, 1 week and 2 months during and after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (PISE). The co-localization of Cx 43 and Cx 40 with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was also examined. We observed that Cx 43 and Cx 40 protein expression remained unaltered at 4 h during and at 1 day (acute stage) after PISE. However, their expression was significantly increased in CA1 and CA3 areas and in the dentate gyrus at 1 week (latent stage) and 2 months (chronic stage) after PISE. Double immunofluorescence labeling indicated the localization of Cx 43 and Cx 40 in astrocytes. Combined with progressive neuronal loss in the mouse hippocampus, our results suggest that the increase in gap junctions in the neuronoglial syncytium of reactive astrocytes may be implicated in synchronization of hippocampal hyperactivity leading to neuronal loss and epileptogenesis.

Quantum cascade lasers: from tool to product

The quantum cascade laser (QCL) is an important laser source in the mid-infrared and terahertz frequency range. The past twenty years have witnessed its tremendous development in power, wall plug efficiency, frequency coverage and tunability, beam quality, as well as various applications based on QCL technology. Nowadays, QCLs can deliver high continuous wave power output up to 5.1 W at room temperature, and cover a wide frequency range from 3 to 300 μm by simply varying the material components. Broadband heterogeneous QCLs with a broad spectral range from 3 to 12 μm, wavelength agile QCLs based on monolithic sampled grating design, and on-chip beam QCL combiner are being developed for the next generation tunable mid-infrared source for spectroscopy and sensing. Terahertz sources based on nonlinear generation in QCLs further extend the accessible wavelength into the terahertz range. Room temperature continuous wave operation, high terahertz power up to 1.9 mW, and wide frequency tunability form 1 to 5 THz makes this type of device suitable for many applications in terahertz spectroscopy, imaging, and communication.

Metabolic Consequences of LDHA inhibition by Epigallocatechin Gallate and Oxamate in MIA PaCa-2 Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is the enzyme that converts pyruvate to lactate and oxidizes the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to NAD⁺. Several human cancers including the pancreas display elevated expression of LDHA. Because of its essential role in cancer metabolism, LDHA has been considered to be a potential target for cancer therapy. Recently, we have shown that a green tea extract significantly down-regulated LDHA in HPAF-II pancreatic cancer cells using global proteomics profiling. The present study is to investigate how EGCG, a major biological active constituent of green tea, targets the metabolism of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma MIA PaCa-2 cells. We compared the effect of EGCG to that of oxamate, an inhibitor of LDHA, on the multiple metabolic pathways as measured by extracellular lactate production, glucose consumption, as well as intracellular aspartate and glutamate production, fatty acid synthesis, acetyl-CoA, RNA ribose and deoxyribose. Specific metabolic pathways were studied using [1, 2-¹³C₂]-d-glucose as the single precursor metabolic tracer. Isotope incorporations in metabolites were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and stable isotope-based dynamic metabolic profiling (SiDMAP). We found that the EGCG treatment of MIA PaCa-2 cells significantly reduced lactate production, anaerobic glycolysis, glucose consumption and glycolytic rate that are comparable to the inhibition of LDHA by oxamate treatment. Significant changes in intracellular glucose carbon re-distribution among major glucose-utilizing macromolecule biosynthesis pathways in response to EGCG and oxamate treatment were observed. The inhibition of LDHA by EGCG or oxamate impacts on various pathways of the cellular metabolic network and significantly modifies the cancer metabolic phenotype. These results suggest that phytochemical EGCG and LDHA inhibitor oxamate confer their anti-cancer activities by disrupting the balance of flux throughout the cellular metabolic network.

Plasma folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine and cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and liver in a Chinese population

Evidence is accumulating regarding a role of micronutrients in folate metabolism in cancer risk. We investigated the associations of plasma folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine with upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in a population-based case-control study in Taixing City, China. With informed consent, we recruited cases with cancers of esophagus (n = 218), stomach (n = 206), and liver (n = 204), and one common healthy control group (n = 405). A standardized epidemiologic questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews, and blood samples were collected during interviews. We observed an inverse association between plasma folate levels and liver cancer. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 0.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24-0.88] comparing individuals in the highest quartile to those in the lowest. We found a positive association between plasma vitamin B12 levels and all three cancers. The aORs for those in the highest quartile were 2.80 (95% CI = 1.51-5.18) for esophageal cancer, 2.17 (1.21-3.89) for stomach cancer, and 9.97 (4.82-20.60) for liver cancer, comparing to those in the lowest quartile. We further observed interaction between plasma folate and vitamin B12 on these cancers. Our data indicated associations between plasma folate and vitamin B12 with upper GI cancers in Chinese population. Further research is warranted considering the debate over the necessity of food fortification.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of one-carbon metabolism and cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and liver in a Chinese population

One-carbon metabolism (folate metabolism) is considered important in carcinogenesis because of its involvement in DNA synthesis and biological methylation reactions. We investigated the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in folate metabolic pathway and the risk of three GI cancers in a population-based case-control study in Taixing City, China, with 218 esophageal cancer cases, 206 stomach cancer cases, 204 liver cancer cases, and 415 healthy population controls. Study participants were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire, and blood samples were collected after the interviews. We genotyped SNPs of the MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, DNMT1, and ALDH2 genes, using PCR-RFLP, SNPlex, or TaqMan assays. To account for multiple comparisons and reduce the chances of false reports, we employed semi-Bayes (SB) shrinkage analysis. After shrinkage and adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found positive associations between MTHFR rs1801133 and stomach cancer (any T versus C/C, SB odds-ratio [SBOR]: 1.79, 95% posterior limits: 1.18, 2.71) and liver cancer (SBOR: 1.51, 95% posterior limits: 0.98, 2.32). There was an inverse association between DNMT1 rs2228612 and esophageal cancer (any G versus A/A, SBOR: 0.60, 95% posterior limits: 0.39, 0.94). In addition, we detected potential heterogeneity across alcohol drinking status for ORs relating MTRR rs1801394 to esophageal (posterior homogeneity P = 0.005) and stomach cancer (posterior homogeneity P = 0.004), and ORs relating MTR rs1805087 to liver cancer (posterior homogeneity P = 0.021). Among non-alcohol drinkers, the variant allele (allele G) of these two SNPs was inversely associated with the risk of these cancers; while a positive association was observed among ever-alcohol drinkers. Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms related to one-carbon metabolism may be associated with cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and liver. Heterogeneity across alcohol consumption status of the associations between MTR/MTRR polymorphisms and these cancers indicates potential interactions between alcohol drinking and one-carbon metabolic pathway.

Analysis of key genes and pathways involved in acute lung injury in a mouse model

A mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI) was chosen in this study to explore the key genes and pathways involved in the process of ALI with microarray technology. Gene expression microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Mice from the experimental group were further divided into 6 subgroups, which received octadecenoate treatments for 1, 1.5, 3, 4, 18, and 24 h. Differentially co-expressed genes were screened to uncover the pathogenesis of ALI. Almost all of the differentially co-expressed genes were identified at two times: 1.5 and 3 h. Functional analysis revealed that several inflammation-related pathways were significantly enriched. Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, hematopoietic cell lineage, and leukocyte transendothelial migration were enriched at 1.5 h. The B cell receptor signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis were significantly enriched at 3 h. It could be inferred that ALI initiated at 1.5 h and lasted through 3 h. However, co-expression patterns were not found from 4 h onward. In conclusion, several key genes and pathways implicated in the development of ALI were found in this study using the mouse model, among which ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis appears to play an important role in the process.

Screening of differentially expressed genes between multiple trauma patients with and without sepsis

The purpose of this study was to identify critical genes associated with septic multiple trauma by comparing peripheral whole blood samples from multiple trauma patients with and without sepsis. A microarray data set was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. This data set included 70 samples, 36 from multiple trauma patients with sepsis and 34 from multiple trauma patients without sepsis (as a control set). The data were preprocessed, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were then screened for using packages of the R language. Functional analysis of DEGs was performed with DAVID. Interaction networks were then established for the most up- and down-regulated genes using HitPredict. Pathway-enrichment analysis was conducted for genes in the networks using WebGestalt. Fifty-eight DEGs were identified. The expression levels of PLAU (down-regulated) and MMP8 (up-regulated) presented the largest fold-changes, and interaction networks were established for these genes. Further analysis revealed that PLAT (plasminogen activator, tissue) and SERPINF2 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade F, member 2), which interact with PLAU, play important roles in the pathway of the component and coagulation cascade. We hypothesize that PLAU is a major regulator of the component and coagulation cascade, and down-regulation of PLAU results in dysfunction of the pathway, causing sepsis.

Ellagic acid and embelin affect key cellular components of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, cancer, and stellate cells

Ellagic acid is a polyphenolic phytochemical present in many fruits and nuts with anticancer properties demonstrated in experimental tumor studies. Embelin is a benzoquinone phytochemical isolated from the Japanese herb Ardisiae Japonicae and has been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. We found that ellagic acid and embelin each dose-dependently increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in human pancreatic cancer cells, MIA PaCa-2 and HPAF-II cells, and in pancreatic stellate cells, which are progenitors of pancreatic cancer desmoplasia. In each of these cell types, combinations of ellagic acid and embelin at low micromolar concentrations (0.5-3 μM) induced synergistic increases in apoptosis and decreases in proliferation. Ellagic acid decreased NF-κB transcriptional activity, whereas embelin decreased STAT-3 phosphorylation and protein expression of its downstream target survivin in cancer cells. In vivo dietary ellagic acid alone or in combination with embelin decreased tumor size and tumor cellularity in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer. These results show that ellagic acid and embelin interact with divergent intracellular signaling pathways resulting in augmentation of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation at low micromolar concentrations for the key cellular components of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Genetic variants of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ are associated with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are implicated in pathogenesis of insulin resistance and cancers of the digestive system.

AIM

We investigated the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PPAR δ and γ with gastric cancer and explored interactions with risk factors of gastric cancer.

METHODS

We conducted our analysis in a case-control study of 196 gastric cancer patients and 397 controls residing in the Taixing region of Jiangsu, China. Six SNPs in the PPARδ (rs2076167, rs3734254) and PPARγ genes (rs10865710, rs1801282, rs3856806, rs13306747) were genotyped. We employed logistic regression to evaluate the association between each genotype and gastric cancer and tested for gene-environment interaction with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, smoking status, and meat and salt intake.

RESULTS

We found that the G/G variant rs2076167, in tight linkage disequilibrium with rs3734254 (R (2) = 0.97), was associated with increased risk of gastric cancer in a recessive model (OR 2.20, 95 % CI 1.12, 4.32). The association between G/G variant of rs2016167 and gastric cancer was particularly strong among those with higher salt intake (OR 5.11, 95 % CI 1.11, 23.5), but did not vary by H. pylori infection or smoking status.

CONCLUSION

We found that genetic variants of PPARδ were associated with gastric cancer. If the association is confirmed in larger studies, it may implicate a role for PPARδ activators, such as insulin-sensitizing agents, in prevention of gastric cancer.

Text-mining network analysis of the response to osmotic stimuli in the intervertebral disc

Intervertebral disc cells experience a broad range of physical stimuli under physiologic conditions, including alterations in their osmotic environment. The purpose of this study was to construct a text-mining network of the genes induced during the response to osmotic stimuli in the intervertebral disc. We obtained a gene expression profile of human intervertebral disc cells from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, after culture under hyper- and hypo-osmotic conditions compared to iso-osmotic conditions, and we identified 65 differentially expressed genes of intervertebral disc cells. We constructed a text-mining network using Biblio-MetReS between the differentially expressed genes and other genes that were included in the same document as the differentially expressed genes. Then, we performed pathway-enrichment analysis to identify the most relevant pathways for the response to osmotic stimuli in intervertebral disc cells. Our data provide a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of genes and pathways that may be involved in the response to osmotic stimuli in the intervertebral disc.

Raw garlic consumption as a protective factor for lung cancer, a population-based case-control study in a Chinese population

Protective effect of garlic on the development of cancer has been reported in the in vitro and in vivo experimental studies; however, few human epidemiologic studies have evaluated the relationship. A population-based case-control study has been conducted in a Chinese population from 2003 to 2010, with the aim to explore the association between raw garlic consumption and lung cancer. Epidemiologic data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a standard questionnaire among 1,424 lung cancer cases and 4,543 healthy controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted ORs and their 95% confidence intervals (CI), and to evaluate ratio of ORs (ROR) for multiplicative interactions between raw garlic consumption and other risk factors. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, raw garlic consumption of 2 times or more per week is inversely associated with lung cancer (OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44-0.72) with a monotonic dose-response relationship (Ptrend < 0.001). Furthermore, strong interactions at either additive and/or multiplicative scales were observed between raw garlic consumption and tobacco smoking [synergy index (SI) = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.85; and ROR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90], as well as high-temperature cooking oil fume (ROR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59-1.00). In conclusion, protective association between intake of raw garlic and lung cancer has been observed with a dose-response pattern, suggesting that garlic may potentially serve as a chemopreventive agent for lung cancer. Effective components in garlic in lung cancer chemoprevention warrant further in-depth investigation.

High performance terahertz quantum cascade laser sources based on intracavity difference frequency generation

We demonstrate high power, room temperature, single-mode THz emissions based on intracavity difference frequency generation from mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers. Dual active regions both featuring giant nonlinear susceptibilities are used to enhance the THz power and conversion efficiency. The THz frequency is lithographically tuned by integrated dual-period distributed feedback gratings with different grating periods. Single mode emissions from 3.3 to 4.6 THz with side-mode suppression ratio and output power up to 40 dB and 65 µW are obtained, with a narrow linewidth of 5 GHz.

Determination of Rottlerin, a Natural Protein Kinases C Inhibitor, in Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Mouse Xenografts by RP-HPLC Method

Rottlerin is a natural polyphenolic ketone isolated from the pericarps of Mallotus phillippinensis. In previous studies we showed that parenteral administration of rottlerin reduced tumor growth in murine xenograft models of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and validated method for the quantitative determination of rottlerin in plasma and tumor tissues of mice fed a rottlerin diet. A xenograft model of pancreatic cancer was prepared by injection of 2×10⁶ HPAF-II cells subcutaneously into nude mice. One week before tumor implantation, mice were randomly allocated to standard diet (AIN76A) and standard diet supplement with 0.012% rottlerin (n=6 per group). Mice were sacrificed after 6 weeks on diets. Rottlerin was extracted from the plasma and tissues using protein precipitation-extraction and analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC-DAD method. The same HPLC method was also applied to determine rottlerin levels in conditioned culture media and in cell lysates from HPAF-II cells exposed to 25 µM concentration of rottlerin. A substantial amount of rottlerin was detected in tumor (2.11 ± 0.25 nmol/g tissue) and plasma (2.88 ± 0.41 µM) in mice fed rottlerin diet. In addition, significant levels of rottlerin (57.4 ± 5.4 nmol/mg protein) were detected in cell lysates from rottlerin-treated HPAF-II cells. These data indicate that rottlerin is efficiently absorbed in cells and tissues both in vivo and in vitro and suggest a strong potential for rottlerin as a preventive or adjuvant supplement for pancreatic cancer.

Evidence for activation of mutated p53 by apigenin in human pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an exceedingly lethal disease with a five-year survival that ranks among the lowest of gastrointestinal malignancies. Part of its lethality is attributable to a generally poor response to existing chemotherapeutic regimens. New therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. We aimed to elucidate the anti-neoplastic mechanisms of apigenin-an abundant, naturally-occurring plant flavonoid-with a particular focus on p53 function. Pancreatic cancer cells (BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2) experienced dose and time-dependent growth inhibition and increased apoptosis with apigenin treatment. p53 post-translational modification, nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and upregulation of p21 and PUMA were all enhanced by apigenin treatment despite mutated p53 in both cell lines. Transcription-dependent p53 activity was reversed by pifithrin-α, a specific DNA binding inhibitor of p53, but not growth inhibition or apoptosis suggesting transcription-independent p53 activity. This was supported by immunoprecipitation assays which demonstrated disassociation of p53/BclXL and PUMA/BclXL and formation of complexes with Bak followed by cytochrome c release. Treated animals grew smaller tumors with increased cellular apoptosis than those fed control diet. These results suggest that despite deactivating mutation, p53 retains some of its function which is augmented following treatment with apigenin. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction may be mediated by transcription-independent p53 function via interactions with BclXL and PUMA. Further study of flavonoids as chemotherapeutics is warranted.

Concomitant inhibition of HSP90, its mitochondrial localized homologue TRAP1 and HSP27 by green tea in pancreatic cancer HPAF-II cells

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease characterized by poor prognosis and patient survival. Green tea polyphenols have been shown to exhibit multiple antitumor activities in various cancers, but studies on the pancreatic cancer are very limited. To identify the cellular targets of green tea action, we exposed a green tea extract (GTE) to human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma HPAF-II cells and performed two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the cell lysates. We identified 32 proteins with significantly altered expression levels. These proteins are involved in drug resistance, gene regulation, motility, detoxification and metabolism of cancer cells. In particular, we found GTE inhibited molecular chaperones heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90), its mitochondrial localized homologue Hsp75 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1, or Trap1) and heat-shock protein 27 (Hsp27) concomitantly. Western blot analysis confirmed the inhibition of Hsp90, Hsp75 and Hsp27 by GTE, but increased phosphorylation of Ser78 of Hsp27. Furthermore, we showed that GTE inhibited Akt activation and the levels of mutant p53 protein, and induced apoptosis and growth suppression of the cells. Our study has identified multiple new molecular targets of GTE and provided further evidence on the anticancer activity of green tea in pancreatic cancer.

Green tea consumption, inflammation and the risk of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

Green tea has been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic properties. The present study examines the association between green tea drinking and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its interactions with other risk or protective factors and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of inflammation and oxidative stress related genes.

METHODS

A population-based case-control study with 204 primary HCC cases and 415 healthy controls was conducted in Taixing, China. Epidemiological data were collected using a standard questionnaire. SNPs of genes of the inflammation and metabolic pathways were genotyped at the UCLA Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory. Logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Longer duration and larger quantities of green tea consumption were inversely associated with primary HCC. Individuals who drank green tea longer than 30 years were at lowest risk (adjusted OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.19-0.96) compared with non-drinkers. A strong interaction was observed between green tea drinking and alcohol consumption (adjusted OR for interaction=3.40, 95% CI: 1.26-9.16). Green tea drinking was also observed to have a potential effect modification on HBV/HCV infection, smoking and polymorphisms of inflammation related cytokines, especially for IL-10.

CONCLUSION

Green tea consumption may protect against development of primary HCC. Potential effect modifications of green tea on associations between primary HCC and alcohol drinking, HBV/HCV infection, and inflammation-related SNPs were suggested.

Green tea extract selectively targets nanomechanics of live metastatic cancer cells

Green tea extract (GTE) is known to be a potential anticancer agent (Yang et al 2009 Nat. Rev. Cancer 9 429-39) with various biological activities (Lu et al 2005 Clin. Cancer Res. 11 1675-83; Yang et al 1998 Carcinogenesis 19 611-6) yet the precise mechanism of action is still unclear. The biomechanical response of GTE treated cells taken directly from patient's body samples was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) (Binnig et al 1986 Phys. Rev. Lett. 56 930). We found significant increase in stiffness of GTE treated metastatic tumor cells, with a resulting value similar to untreated normal mesothelial cells, whereas mesothelial cell stiffness after GTE treatment is unchanged. Immunofluorescence analysis showed an increase in cytoskeletal-F-actin in GTE treated tumor cells, suggesting GTE treated tumor cells display mechanical, structural and morphological features similar to normal cells, which appears to be mediated by annexin-I expression, as determined by siRNA analysis of an in vitro cell line model. Our data indicates that GTE selectively targets human metastatic cancer cells but not normal mesothelial cells, a finding that is significantly advantageous compared to conventional chemotherapy agents.