Construction of an alignment diagram model for predicting calculous obstructive pyonephrosis before PNL

Background

To develop a model for the accurate prediction of calculous obstructive pyonephrosis prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), leading to early local anaesthesia microchannel nephrostomy for drainage of pyonephrosis.

Methods

By comparing the differences in baseline clinical indicators between the pyonephrosis group and nonpyonephrosis groups, independent risk factors were screened out, and a diagnostic alignment diagram model for predicting calculus obstructive pyonephrosis before PNL was established.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis showed that preoperative blood neutrophil count (Neu), serum creatinine level (Scr), serum albumin level (Alb), urine nitrite (UN), hydronephrosis density (HD) and fever history within one month (HFWOM) were independent risk factors for calculous obstructive pyonephrosis. The AUC value of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.929. The calibration curves showed that the predictive model was well corrected and that the predictive model had strong consistency. Decision analysis curves showed good clinical efficacy of the model.

Conclusion

The alignment diagram model accurately predicts patients with preoperative calculous obstructive pyonephrosis in the PNL and provides an evidence-based basis for early renal microchannel nephrostomy.

CircUGGT2 facilitates progression and cisplatin resistance of bladder cancer through nonhomologous end-joining pathway

The development of resistance to cisplatin (CDDP) in bladder cancer presents a notable obstacle, with indications pointing to the substantial role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in this resistance. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms through which circRNAs govern resistance are not yet fully understood. Our findings demonstrate that circUGGT2 is significantly upregulated in bladder cancer, facilitating cancer cell migration and invasion. Additionally, our analysis of eighty patient outcomes revealed a negative correlation between circUGGT2 expression levels and prognosis. Using circRNA pull-down assays, mass spectrometry analyses, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP), it was shown that circUGGT2 interacts with the KU heterodimer, consisting of KU70 and KU80. Both KU70 and KU80 are critical components of the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, which plays a role in CDDP resistance. Flow cytometry was utilized in this study to illustrate the impact of circUGGT2 on the sensitivity of bladder cancer cell lines to CDDP through its interaction with KU70 and KU80. Additionally, a reduction in the levels of DNA repair factors associated with the NHEJ pathway, such as KU70, KU80, DNA-PKcs, and XRCC4, was observed in chromatin of bladder cancer cells following circUGGT2 knockdown post-CDDP treatment, while the levels of DNA repair factors in total cellular proteins remained constant. Thus, the promotion of CDDP resistance by circUGGT2 is attributed to its facilitation of repair factor recruitment to DNA breaks via interaction with the KU heterodimer. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that knockdown of circUGGT2 resulted in reduced levels of γH2AX, a marker of DNA damage response, in CDDP-treated bladder cancer cells, implicating circUGGT2 in the NHEJ pathway for DNA repair.

Construction of prediction model for fetal growth restriction during first trimester in an Asian population

OBJECTIVE

To construct a prediction model for fetal growth restriction (FGR) during the first trimester of pregnancy and evaluate its screening performance.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that underwent routine ultrasound screening at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2019 and April 2022. Basic clinical information, ultrasound indicators and serum biomarkers of pregnant women were collected. Fetal weight assessment was based on the fetal growth curve for the Southern Chinese population. FGR was diagnosed according to Delphi consensus criteria. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the model. Discrimination, calibration and clinical effectiveness of the model were evaluated in training and validation cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 1188 pregnant women were included, of whom 108 had FGR. Lasso regression identified seven predictive features, including history of maternal hypertension, maternal smoking or passive smoking, gravidity, uterine artery pulsatility index, ductus venosus pulsatility index and multiples of the median values of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. The nomogram prediction model constructed from these seven variables accurately predicted FGR, and the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve in the validation cohort was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74-0.90). The calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated good calibration, and the clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve supported its practical value in a clinical setting.

CONCLUSION

The multi-index prediction model for FGR has good predictive value during the first trimester. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dual Role of IGF2BP2 in Osteoimmunomodulation during Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a complex disease characterized by distinct inflammatory stages, with a peak of inflammation in the early phase and less prominent inflammation in the advanced phase. The insulin-like growth factor 2-binding proteins 2 (IGF2BP2) has recently been identified as a new m6A reader that protects m6A-modified messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from decay, thus participating in multiple biological processes. However, its role in periodontitis remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the role of IGF2BP2 in inflammation and osteoclast differentiation using a ligature-induced periodontitis model. Our findings revealed that IGF2BP2 responded to bacterial-induced inflammatory stimuli and exhibited differential expression patterns in early and advanced periodontitis stages, suggesting its dual role in regulating this disease. Depletion of Igf2bp2 contributed to increased release of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exacerbating periodontitis after 3 d of ligature while suppressing osteoclast differentiation and ameliorating periodontitis after 14 d of ligature. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that IGF2BP2 directly interacted with Cd5l and Cd36 mRNA via RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Overexpression of CD36 or recombinant CD5L rescued the osteoclast differentiation ability of Igf2bp2-null cells upon lipopolysaccharide stimulus, and thus the downregulation of Cd36 and Cd5l effectively reversed periodontitis in the advanced stage. Altogether, this study deepens our understanding of the potential mechanistic link among the dysregulated m6A reader IGF2BP2, immunomodulation, and osteoclastogenesis during different stages of periodontitis.

[Mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors in hyperuricemia and prehypertension]

Objective: To assess the mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors in the relationship between hyperuricemia (HUA) and prehypertension. Methods: A total of 9 399 individuals were selected using a multistage stratified whole-group random sampling method from 90 villages (neighborhood committees) in 30 towns (streets) of 5 districts (counties) in Fuzhou. A total of 4 754 study subjects were included. A linear regression model was used to analyze the association of HUA with obesity and metabolic factors. Single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of HUA, obesity, and metabolic factors with prehypertension. Mediating effects models were used to analyze the mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors on the association between HUA and prehypertension. Results: After adjusting for confounders, the association between HUA and cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, BMI, waist circumference, creatinine, and urea nitrogen were significantly correlated (P<0.001). HUA, waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides were significantly associated with prehypertension (P<0.001). Waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides mediated the relationship between HUA and prehypertension, with OR (95%CI) of 1.018 (1.007-1.027), 1.010 (1.002-1.018), and 1.010 (1.003-1.017) (P<0.001), with mediating proportions of 7.76%, 4.31%, and 4.31% respectively. No mediating effect of cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, creatinine, and urea nitrogen was found on the relationship (P>0.05). Conclusions: Waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides all had mediating effects in the association between HUA and prehypertension. For the general population, weight control, waist circumference, and a high-fat diet should be used to reduce the occurrence of prehypertension.

The Lyman Normal Tissue Complication Probability Model and Risk Prediction for Temporal Lobe Injury after Re-Irradiation in Patients with Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The risk of temporal lobe injury (TLI) in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) patients with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is high. We aimed to construct the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model for TLI of rNPC and establish a risk predictive model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 103 patients with rNPC who had received two courses of IMRT in our institution. The 206 temporal lobes (TLs) of these patients were randomly divided into a training (n = 144) and validation group (n = 62). We determined the mean value of the following parameters to construct the Lyman NTCP model: TD50(1) (the dose with a 50% probability of complications to an organ when all volumes are irradiated), m [steepness of the dose-response at TD50(1)], and n (the parameter related to volume effect). The most predictive dosimetric parameter and clinical variables were integrated in Cox proportional hazards models. A nomogram was developed for predicting risk of TLs.

RESULTS

The parameters of the fitted NTCP model were TD50(1) = 107.84 Gy (95% confidence interval (CI), [97.15, 118.54]), m = 0.16 (95% CI, [0.14, 0.19]), and n = 0.04 (95% CI, [0.01, 0.06]). The cumulative dose delivered to 0.1 cm3 of temporal lobe volume (D0.1cc-c) was the most predictive dosimetric parameter for TLI. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant difference in 2-year TLI-free survival among different risk groups according to the total score of nomograms.

CONCLUSION

The TD50(1) of TLI in patients with rNPC is 107.84 Gy in Lyman NTCP model. The nomogram model can accurately predict the risk of TLI for individual.

Distribution Pattern of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in 870 Cases of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Clue for Individualized Elective Prophylactic Neck Irradiation

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We aimed to explore a potential individualized elective prophylactic neck irradiation (iEPNI) to optimize the current strategy by investigating the distribution of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical data of 870 non-distant metastatic NPC patients admitted to the Hunan Cancer Hospital between January 2019 and December 2019 were reviewed. All patients were staged using the 8th TNM staging system, and the LNs location was assigned based on the 2013 guidelines. According to the distribution patterns of the LNs in NPC, the intra-regional lymphatic drainage levels were categorized into the following three stations: Station 1st of level VIIa and II; Station 2nd of level III and Va; and Station 3rd of level IV, Vb, and Vc. Other levels were defined as extra-regional areas.

RESULTS

The incidence of LNs metastasis was 822/870 (94.5%), including 198 cases of unilateral metastasis and 624 cases of bilateral metastasis. Among the 870 patients, the most frequently involved intra-regional lymphatic drainage was level IIb (87.1%), followed by level VIIa (80.0%), IIa (61.8%), Va (30.6%), IV (21.4%), Vb (8.9%), and Vc (1.1%). In the extra-regional areas, the detailed LNs distribution was: level Ia (0.2%), level Ib (7.7%), level VI (0.1%), level VIIb (5.6%), level VIII (5.5%), level IX (0.3%), and level X (0.2%). The rates of LNs metastasis in Station 1st, Station 2nd, and Station 3rd were 820/870 (94.3%), 532/870 (61.1%), and 199/870 (22.9%), respectively. Only 4 patients were considered to be skipping metastasis among the three stations (4/870, 0.5%). Additionally, in 203 patients with unilateral Station 1st LNs metastasis, there were 86 (42.4%) and 37 (18.2%) patients with ipsilateral Station 2nd and Station 3rd metastasis, respectively, and 3 (1.5%) and 1 (0.5%) patients with contralateral Station 2nd and Station 3rd LNs metastasis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

LNs spread from Station 1st to Station 3rd successively with rare skipping metastasis. A potential iEPNI strategy of prophylactical neck irradiation to the ipsilateral latter node-negative station might be feasible, which is detailed as follows: irradiation to Station 1st in patients with no LNs metastasis, irradiation to Station 2nd in patients with only Station 1st metastasis, and irradiation to Station 3rd in patients with Station 2nd metastasis but without Station 3rd metastasis. Further prospective investigations are expected to validate the strategy.

Comprehensive analysis between volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure and female sex hormones: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2013-2016

There is growing evidence suggesting that exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can pose significant health risks, including interference with the function of the reproductive system. However, there has been a lack of research focused on the impact of common environmental VOCs on the levels of sex hormones in the general female population. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis utilizing the database of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2013-2016). A total of 2633 participants were included in this study. The Pearson correlation model revealed the potential of co-exposure or co-toxicity between benzene and 2,5-dimethylfuran. According to GLM models, we discovered a significant positive association between blood levels of 2,5-dimethylfuran and benzene with testosterone levels in women. Subgroup analysis further identified that the women with underweight and healthy weight might be the high-risk subgroup. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was applied to further assess the univariate and bivariate exposure-response relationships between multiple VOCs. Our research systemically formulated the possible relationship between exposure to VOCs and female sex hormones, indicating the role of VOCs as a risk factor for endocrine disruption, especially benzene and 2,5-dimethylfuran. These findings have important implications for public health and call for further investigation.

[Efficacy and safety of bendamustine-rituximab combination therapy for newly diagnosed indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and elderly mantle cell lymphoma: a multi-center prospective phase II clinical trial in China]

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of bendamustine in combination with rituximab (BR regimen) for the treatment of newly diagnosed indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-iNHL) and elderly mantle cell lymphoma (eMCL) . Methods: From December 1, 2020 to September 10, 2022, a multi-center prospective study was conducted across ten Grade A tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province, China. The BR regimen was administered to evaluate its efficacy and safety in newly diagnosed B-iNHL and eMCL patients, and all completed at least four cycles of induction therapy. Results: The 72 enrolled patients with B-iNHL or MCL were aged 24-74 years, with a median age of 55 years. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status scores of 0-1 were observed in 76.4% of patients, while 23.6% had scores of 2. Disease distribution included follicular lymphoma (FL) (51.4% ), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) (33.3% ), eMCL (11.1% ), and the unknown subtype (4.2% ). According to the Ann Arbor staging system, 16.7% and 65.3% of patients were diagnosed with stage Ⅲ and stage Ⅳ lymphomas, respectively. Following four cycles of BR induction therapy, the overall response rate was 98.6%, with a complete response (CR) rate of 83.3% and a partial response (PR) rate of 15.3%. Only one eMCL patient experienced disease progression during treatment, and only one FL patient experienced a relapse. Even when evaluated using CT alone, the CR rate was 63.9%, considering the differences between PET/CT and CT assessments. The median follow-up duration was 11 months (range: 4-22), with a PFS rate of 96.8% and an OS rate of 100.0%. The main hematologic adverse reactions included grade 3-4 leukopenia (27.8%, with febrile neutropenia observed in 8.3% of patients), grade 3-4 lymphopenia (23.6% ), grade 3-4 anemia (5.6% ), and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia (4.2% ). The main non-hematologic adverse reactions such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, rash, and infections occurred in less than 20.0% of patients. Conclusion: Within the scope of this clinical trial conducted in China, the BR regimen demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating newly diagnosed B-iNHL and eMCL patients.

Systematic analysis between inflammation-related index and sex hormones in American adults: cross-sectional research based NHANES 2013-2016

Background

A series of novel inflammation-related indexes has been confirmed to be efficient indicators of human immune and inflammatory status, with great potential as predictors for a variety of diseases. However, the association between inflammation-related indexes and sex hormones in the general population remained uncertain.

Methods

We incorporated data from the NHANES 2013-2016 survey of American adults. On the basis of distribution and comparison analysis, we chose to undertake separate analyses of men and women (including premenopausal and postmenopausal groups). Multivariable weighted linear regression models, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models, generalized linear analysis, stratified models, logistic regression models and sensitivity analysis were utilized to assess the relationships between inflammation-related indexes and sex hormones.

Results

Total 9372 participants out of 20146 were fitted into our research. We conducted separate gender analysis due to different distribution. Multivariable weighted linear regression indicated every component of the inflammation-related index was negatively correlated with at least one component of the male hormone indexes. However, SII, NLR, PPN, and NC were associated positively with female estradiol. XGBoost identify SII, PLR and NLR were the critical indexes on sex hormones. Inflammation-related indexes was associated with Testosterone deficiency in male and postmenstrual group and associated with Excessive Estradiol in premenstrual group. Finally, the subgroup analysis revealed that the association between sex hormones and inflammatory indicators was prominent in American adults over the age of 60 or those with BMI (>28 kg/m²).

Conclusion

In all, inflammation-related indexes act as independent risks associated with sex hormone alterations and metabolic disorder in both genders. Using multiple models, we revealed the relative importance of inflammation-related indexes. Subgroup analysis also identified the high-risk population. More prospective and experimental research should be conducted to validate the results.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Irisin on LPS-stimulated macrophages through inhibition of MAPK pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect of irisin on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. A network pharmacology-based approach, combined with molecular docking and in vitro validation were performed to identify the biological activity, key targets, and potential pharmacological mechanisms of irisin against LPS-induced inflammation. By matching 100 potential genes of irisin with 1893 ulcerative colitis (UC) related genes, 51 common genes were obtained. Using protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) and component-target network analysis,10 core genes of irisin on UC were further identified. The results of gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the molecular mechanisms of irisin on UC were mainly related to major enrichment in the categories of response to xenobiotic stimulus, response to the drug, and negative regulation of gene expression. Molecular docking results showed good binding activity for almost all core component targets. More importantly, MTT assay and flow cytometry results showed that LPS-induced cytotoxicity was reversed by irisin, after coincubation with irisin, the level of IL-12 and IL-23 decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Irisin pretreatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT and increased the expression of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma. LPS-induced enhancement of phagocytosis and cell clearance were reversed by irisin pretreatment. Irisin ameliorated LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and this protective effect may be mediated through the MAPK pathway. These findings confirmed our prediction that irisin plays an anti-inflammatory role in LPS-induced inflammation via the MAPK pathway.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Irisin on LPS-stimulated macrophages through inhibition of MAPK pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect of irisin on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. A network pharmacology-based approach, combined with molecular docking and in vitro validation were performed to identify the biological activity, key targets, and potential pharmacological mechanisms of irisin against LPS-induced inflammation. By matching 100 potential genes of irisin with 1893 ulcerative colitis (UC) related genes, 51 common genes were obtained. Using protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) and component-target network analysis,10 core genes of irisin on UC were further identified. The results of gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the molecular mechanisms of irisin on UC were mainly related to major enrichment in the categories of response to xenobiotic stimulus, response to the drug, and negative regulation of gene expression. Molecular docking results showed good binding activity for almost all core component targets. More importantly, MTT assay and flow cytometry results showed that LPS-induced cytotoxicity was reversed by irisin, after coincubation with irisin, the level of IL-12 and IL-23 decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Irisin pretreatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT and increased the expression of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma. LPS-induced enhancement of phagocytosis and cell clearance were reversed by irisin pretreatment. Irisin ameliorated LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and this protective effect may be mediated through the MAPK pathway. These findings confirmed our prediction that irisin plays an anti-inflammatory role in LPS-induced inflammation via the MAPK pathway.

[Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of kidney: Clinicopathology and prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate and summarize the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, differential diagnosis and prognosis analysis of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC).

METHODS

The data of thirteen cases of MTSCC were retrospectively analyzed, the clinical and pathological characteristics and immunohistochemical expression were summarized, and fluorescence in situ hybridization was detected.

RESULTS

Among the thirteen patients, four were males and nine females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 ∶2.25. The average age was 57.1 years, ranging from 39 to 78 years. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 2-12 cm. All cases had no symptoms, and were accidentally discovered, 3 cases underwent partial renal resection, 10 cases underwent radical renal resection, 9 cases were located in the left kidney, and 4 cases were located in the right kidney. Most of the cases showed the classical morphological changes, with 11 cases of nuclear grading [World Health Organization (WHO)/International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading system] being G2 and 2 cases being G3. There were 6 cases of stage PT1a, 3 cases of PT1b, 2 cases of PT2a, and 1 case of PT2b and 1 case of PT3a. The positive rates of immunohistochemical staining were: vimentin, AE1/AE3, α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (αMACR) and cytokeratin (CK) 8/18, 100% (13/13); CK7, 92.3% (12/13); epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), 92.3% (12/13); CK20, 46.2% (6/13); CD10, 30.8% (4/13); synaptophysin (Syn), 7.7% (1/13); chromogranin A (CgA), CD57, WT1 and Ki-67, 0 (0/13), and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that no trisomy of chromosomes 7 and 17 were observed in any of the cases. The follow-up period was 6 months to 7 years and 6 months, 2 cases died after lung metastasis (one with ISUP/WHO grade G3, one with necrosis), and the remaining 11 cases had no recurrence and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

MTSCC is a unique type of low-grade malignancy kidney tumor, occurs predominantly in females, widely distributed in age, the current treatment method is surgical resection, and cases with necrosis and high-grade morphology are prone to recurrence and metastasis, although most cases have a good prognosis, but they still need close follow-up after surgery.

P4HA2-mediated HIF-1α stabilization promotes erdafitinib-resistance in FGFR3-alteration bladder cancer

Erdafitinib is a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor that has shown great therapeutic promise for solid tumor patients with FGFR3 alterations, especially in urothelial carcinoma. However, the mechanisms of resistance to FGFR inhibitors remain poorly understood. In this study, we found Erdafitinib could kill cells by inducing incomplete autophagy and increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. We have established an Erdafitinib-resistant cell line, RT-112-RS. whole transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Cytospace analysis performed on Erdafitinib-resistant RT-112-RS cells and parental RT-112 cells introduced P4HA2 as a linchpin to Erdafitinib resistance. The gain and loss of function study provided evidence for P4HA2 conferring such resistance in RT-112 cells. Furthermore, P4HA2 could stabilize the HIF-1α protein which then activated downstream target genes to reduce reactive oxygen species levels in bladder cancer. In turn, HIF-1α could directly bind to P4HA2 promoter, indicating a positive loop between P4HA2 and HIF-1α in bladder cancer. These results suggest a substantial role of P4HA2 in mediating acquired resistance to Erdafitinib and provide a potential target for bladder cancer treatment.

Potential biomarkers for the prognosis and treatment of HCC immunotherapy

OBJECTIVE

The liver is a unique organ containing large populations of immune cells. Immunotherapy for liver cancer is a promising yet particularly challenging method. Therefore, it harbors great significance for the identification of immune-related subtypes and the potential therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, we classified the HCC samples downloaded from the dataset of Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) into two clusters based on the immune cell infiltration. Thereafter, we identified the significant module and regulatory factors using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The immune competence of the regulatory factors was delineated through the ESTIMATE algorithm, the analysis of the tumor microenvironment, and pan-cancer analysis. In the single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we further explored the immune competence of regulatory factors. We also collected the potential drugs targeting the regulatory factors. In addition, we constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction regulatory networks. Finally, western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to verify the protein expression of regulatory genes in HCC cell lines and tissues.

RESULTS

According to the immune cell infiltration, two immune-related subtypes-cluster 1 and cluster 2-were found. Patients in cluster 2 had a more significant immune infiltration than in cluster 1. Afterward, six significant regulatory genes were identified through WGCNA, and the expression in cluster 2 was high in cluster 1. We performed a comprehensive analysis to clarify the immune signature. The results showed that the six genes had significant immunological competence. Moreover, the expression of the six genes was similar to the subtypes' classification. In the analysis of the prognosis value, patients in cluster 2 had a better prognosis. In addition, the lncRNA in the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction regulatory networks was located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, the six genes were related to the immune cell. We also identified potential drugs for CD6 and CLEC12A, which may provide potential therapeutic drugs. Finally, the regulatory genes were verified in the western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The classification into two clusters based on the immune cell infiltration may provide a promising prospect for HCC through immunotherapy. The six regulatory genes may be potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of HCC.

SGK2 promotes prostate cancer metastasis by inhibiting ferroptosis via upregulating GPX4

Recent research has shown that ferroptosis, the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides that leads to cell death, suppresses cancer metastasis. However, the role of ferroptosis in prostate cancer metastasis has not been completely elucidated. In the current study, we identified the essential role of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 2 (SGK2) in promoting prostate cancer metastasis by inhibiting ferroptosis. We found that the expression of SGK2 was higher in metastatic prostate cancer and predicted poor clinical outcomes. SGK2 knockdown inhibited the metastatic capacity of prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, while SGK2 overexpression inhibited ferroptosis and facilitated prostate cancer metastasis by phosphorylating the Thr-24 and Ser-319 sites of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). This process induced the translocation of FOXO1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, relieving the inhibitory effect of FOXO1 on glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). These findings delineated a novel role of SGK2 in ferroptosis regulation of prostate cancer metastasis, identifying a new key pathway driving prostate cancer metastasis and potentially providing new treatment strategies for metastatic prostate cancer.

Microbiome-scale analysis of aerosol facemask contamination during nebulization therapy in hospital

BACKGROUND

Microbial contamination of aerosol facemasks could be a source of nosocomial infections during nebulization therapy in hospital, prompting efforts to identify these contaminants. Identification of micro-organisms in medical devices has traditionally relied on culture-dependent methods, which are incapable of detecting the majority of these microbial contaminants. This challenge could be overcome with culture-independent sequencing-based techniques that are suited for the profiling of complex microbiomes.

AIM

To characterize the microbial contaminants in aerosol facemasks used for nebulization therapy, and identify factors influencing the composition of these microbial contaminants with the acquisition and analysis of comprehensive microbiome-scale profiles using culture-independent high-throughput sequencing.

METHODS

Used aerosol facemasks collected from hospitalized patients were analysed with culture-independent 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing to acquire microbiome-scale comprehensive profiles of the microbial contaminants. Microbiome-based analysis was performed to identify potential sources of microbial contamination in facemasks.

FINDINGS

Culture-independent high-throughput sequencing was demonstrated for the capacity to acquire microbiome-scale profiles of microbial contaminants on aerosol facemasks. Microbial source identification enabled by the microbiome-scale profiles linked microbial contamination on aerosol facemasks to the human skin and oral microbiota. Antibiotic treatment with levofloxacin was found to reduce contamination of the facemasks by oral microbiota.

CONCLUSION

Sequencing-based microbiome-scale analysis is capable of providing comprehensive characterization of microbial contamination in aerosol facemasks. Insight gained from microbiome-scale analysis facilitates the development of effective strategies for the prevention and mitigation of the risk of nosocomial infections arising from exposure to microbial contamination of aerosol facemasks, such as targeted elimination of potential sources of contamination.

SrB4O7:Sm2+ fluorescence improves the accuracy of temperature measurements in externally heated diamond anvil cells

The sample temperature in an externally heated diamond anvil cell (EHDAC) is generally measured by a thermocouple fixed to the pavilions of diamond anvils, ignoring the temperature difference between the thermocouple and the sample. However, the measured temperature depends strongly on the placement of the thermocouple, thus seriously reducing the accuracy of the temperature measurement and hindering the use of EHDAC in experiments requiring precise temperature measurements, such as high-pressure melting and phase-diagram investigations. In this study, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the 0-0 fluorescence line of strontium borate doped with bivalent samarium ions (SrBO₄:Sm²⁺, SBO) is found to be highly sensitive to temperature and responds extremely rapidly to small temperature fluctuations, which makes it an excellent temperature indicator. We propose herein a precise method to measure temperature that involves measuring the FWHM of the 0-0 fluorescence line of SBO. This method is used to correct the temperature discrepancy between the thermocouple and the sample in an EHDAC. These corrections significantly improve the accuracy of temperature measurements in EHDACs. The accuracy of this method is verified by measuring the melting point of tin at ambient pressure. We also use this method to produce a tentative elementary phase diagram of tin up to 109 GPa and 495 K. This method facilitates high-pressure, high-temperature experiments demanding accurate temperature measurements in various disciplines. The study also discusses, in general, the experimental approach to measuring temperature.

Construction of cuproptosis-related gene signature to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of patients with bladder cancer through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Background: A new form of cell death, copper-dependent cell death (termed cuproptosis), was illustrated in a recent scientific study. However, the biological function or prognostic value of cuproptosis regulators in bladder cancer (BLCA) remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Sequencing data obtained from BLCA samples in TCGA and GEO databases were preprocessed for analysis. Biological function and immune cell infiltration levels evaluated by gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were employed to calculate enrichment scores. Iteration least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and COX regression model were employed to select feature genes and construct a novel cuproptosis-related (CR) score signature. The genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer (GDSC) and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) analysis were used to predict the chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacy for BLCA patients. The relative expression of the genes involved in the signature was also verified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) in cell lines and tissues. Results: Expression abundance and the prognostic value of cuproptosis regulators proved that cuproptosis might play a vital part in the carcinogenesis of BLCA. GSVA revealed that cuproptosis regulators might be associated with metabolism and metastasis-related pathways such as TGF-β, protein secretion, oxidative Phosphorylation, MYC targets, MTORC1, and adipogenesis pathways. CR scores could predict the prognosis and evaluate the chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacies of BLCA. CR scores were positively correlated with EMT, MYC, MTORC1, HEDGEHOG, and E2F signaling pathways; meanwhile, they were negatively correlated with several immune cell infiltration levels such as CD8⁺ T cells, γδT cells, and activated dendritic cells. Several GEO datasets were used to validate the power of prognostic prediction, and a nomogram was also established for clinical use. The expressions of DDX10, RBM34, and RPL17 were significantly higher in BLCA cell lines and tissues in comparison with those in the corresponding normal controls. Conclusion: Cuproptosis might play an essential role in the progression of BLCA. CR scores could be helpful in the investigation of prognostic prediction and therapeutic efficacy and could make contributions to further studies in BLCA.

[A cross-sectional study of prevalence of chronic kidney disease and related factors in adults in Anhui province]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related factors in adults in Anhui province based on the data of Chinese Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Surveillance program (2018) in Anhui. Methods: Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select participants aged ≥18 years. Moreover, questionnaire survey, body measurements and laboratory tests were conducted. The complex weighting method was used to estimate the prevalence of CKD in residents with different characteristics, and complex sampling data logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis to identify related risk factors. Results: A total of 7 181 participants were included. The overall prevalence of CKD was 11.06% in adults in Anhui, and the prevalence was 12.49% in women and 9.59% in men (P<0.05). The moderate, high and very high risk for CKD progression were 8.66%, 2.02% and 0.38%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.00-1.05), BMI (OR=1.05, 95%CI: 1.01-1.09), being woman (OR=1.38,95%CI: 1.22-1.55), hypertension (OR=2.50, 95%CI: 1.76-3.56), diabetes (OR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.51-3.43), dyslipidemia (OR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.11-1.43) and hyperuricemia (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.68-2.78) were risk factors for CKD. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD in adults in Anhui was relatively high and age, gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia were found to be associated with the prevalence of CKD. To prevent CKD and its complications, attention should be paid to the management of related risk factors, including overweight and obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia.

[Risk factors for recurrence and survival analysis in locally advanced T4a papillary thyroid carcinoma after R0 resection]

Objective: To investigate the treatment outcomes and risk factors of postoperative recurrence in T4a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A total of 185 patients with locally advanced T4a PTC treated in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2006 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 127 females and 58 males, aged between 18 and 80 years, with 74 patients aged over 55 years. According to AJCC thyroid tumor staging, 111 cases were stage I (T4aN0M0 26 cases, T4aN1aM0 35 cases, and T4aN1bM0 50 cases) and 74 cases were stage Ⅲ (T4aN0M0 29 cases, T4aN1aM0 19 cases, and T4aN1bM0 26 cases). Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and the recurrence-free rate, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses on the clinical data were performed. Results: Recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion was observed in 150 cases, trachea invasion in 61 cases, esophagus invasion in 30 cases, and laryngeal structure invasion in 10 cases. Postoperative follow-up periods were 24-144 months, with an average of 68.29 months. Of the 185 patients, 18 (9.73%) had recurrences or metastases, including 9 cases (4.86%) died of recurrences or metastases. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were respectively 95.21% and 93.10%. The 5-year and 10-year disease-free survival rates were respectively 89.65% and 86.85%. Univariate analysis showed that age of onset, tumor diameter, preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, esophageal invasion and cervical lymph node metastasis were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of T4a PTC(all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (OR=3.27, 95%CI: 1.11-9.61, P=0.032) and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis (OR=4.71, 95%CI: 1.19-18.71, P=0.027) were independent risk factors for T4a PTC recurrence. Survival rate of patients with T4a PTC involving only the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the outer tracheal membrane was significantly better than that of patients with tracheal invasion (P<0.05). Conclusions: T4a PTC patients with R0 resection can still achieve good efficacy. Preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis are independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence in the patients.

Laparoscopic partial cystectomy through extraperitoneal space for primary bladder schwannoma

BACKGROUND

Schwannomas can occur in the body where nerve sheaths are present. Genitourinary schwannomas are very rare, especially primary bladder schwannomas. They account for only 0.1% of bladder tumours. The literature reports that simple surgical resection has a good effect and prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 39-year-old man had no significant improvement in symptoms due to frequent urination and urgency for 1 month following the treatment of prostatitis for 2 weeks. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) showed a mass in the left side wall of the bladder (size approximately 2.0 × 1.9 cm) that had clear boundaries and protruded outward from the bladder. After the extraperitoneal space was dilated with a balloon, a minimally invasive laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed in this space to remove the tumour. The pathological diagnosis was bladder schwannoma. Immunohistochemical staining showed that it was strongly S100 protein positive. There was no recurrence after 2 years follow-up by cystoscopy and CT.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder schwannomas are clinically rare benign bladder lesions and no specific clinical manifestations. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy through the extraperitoneal space is a safe and feasible treatment option.

[High expression of MYBL2 promotes progression and predicts a poor survival outcome of prostate cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation of MYB proto-oncogene like 2 (MYBL2) with biological behaviors and clinical prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

We detected Mybl2 mRNA expression in 45 pairs of PCa and adjacent tissues using real-time quantitative PCR, and analyzed the correlation of high (23 cases) and low expression (22 cases) of Mybl2 with clinicopathological features and prognosis of the patients using nonparametric test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression. The results were verified by analysis of the data from Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) microarray database, and the molecular pathways were identified by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The CIBERPORT algorithm was used to identify the correlations between Mybl2 expression and tumor microenvironment of PCa. We also tested the effects of MYBL2 knockdown on proliferation and invasion of PCa cell lines using cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays and observed the growth of PC3 cell xenograft with MYBL2 knockdown in nude mice and the expression levels of Ki-67 in the xenograft using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Mybl2 expression was significantly elevated in PCa tissues in close correlation with Gleason score and clinical and pathological stage of the tumor (P < 0.01) but not with the patients' age. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significant negative correlation of high Mybl2 expression with recurrence-free survival (P < 0.05), but not with the overall survival of the patients. The data from TCGA suggested that clinical and pathological stages were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival, and our data indicated that clinical stage and Gleason score were independent prognostic factors of PCa (P < 0.05). GSEA suggested that Mybl2 expression was related with the pathways involving immune function, cell adhesion, and cytokine secretion; CIBERPORT analysis suggested the involvement of Mybl2 expression with memory B cells and resting mast cells (P < 0.05). In LNCaP and PC-3 cells, MYBL2 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion (P < 0.05); in the tumor-bearing nude mice, the xenografts derived from PC-3 cells with MYBL2 knockdown exhibited a lowered mean tumor weight and positivity rate for Ki67 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mybl2 is an oncogene related with multiple pathological indicators of PCa and can serve as a potential prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for patients with PCa.

[Analysis of clinical features of multiple myeloma with t(8;14)(q24;q32)]

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations and prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients with t(8;14)(q24;q32). Methods: The clinical data of MM patients with G-banding results from 2004 to 2009 in Hematology Department of People's Hospital of Peking University were retrospectively analyzed. The general data, M protein related examination, cytogenetics data, therapeutic regimen and response evaluation of MM patients with t(8;14)(q24;q32) were collected. Results: Of all newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, the number of patients who had G-banding results was 940, among which 265 had abnormal karyotype in G-banding, accounting for 28.19%. The incidence of t(8;14)(q24;q32) detected by G-banding in MM patients was 0.85%(8/940), t(8;14)(q24;q32) accounted for 3.02%(8/265) of all choromosome abnormalities detected by G-banding. Seven of eight patients were male with a median age of 63.5(56-76) and the immunoglobulin sub-types seven in eight patients were lambda. All eight patients had DS stage Ⅲ at the time of initial diagnosis. FISH detection of these eight patients showed six patients(75%) with 1q21 amplification, and five patients(62.5%) with G-banding results showed abnormal chromosome 1. Among the eight patients, the number of patients reached complete response ,very good response and partial response were separately four, one and two, and the overall response rate(ORR) was 87.5%. After the median follow-up 35 months(23-65months), 2 patients died, and the OS of the dead patients exceeded 5 years. Conclusions: Patients with t(8;14)(q24;q32) accounted for 0.85% of the total who have the results of G banding in our hospital. Of our 8 patients, the light chain sub-type Lambda was more than Kappa, the patients were more common in males, accompanied by 1q21 amplification and chromosome 1 abnormality. The tumor load was high at the time of diagnosis, but the overall response to treatment was fair.

[Toll-like receptors link atopic march and hygiene hypothesis]

The atopic march reveals that infants with atopic dermatitis are prone to food allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma later in life. The hygiene hypothesis holds that the cleaner the personal hygiene and environment, the higher the incidence rate of asthma and allergy. It is believed that Toll like receptors (TLRs) are the bridge between innate immunity and adaptive immunity, playing an important role in inflammatory and immune diseases. More and more evidence shows that TLRs, involved in the pathophysiology of atopic march, connect atopic march with hygiene hypothesis as a potential therapeutic target for asthma and allergy.

Resilience Factors Preventing Schizophrenia in Ultra-high Risk Patients: Lessons from Genetics

Over the past decades, researchers and psychiatrists in the field of psychosis have moved from a conception of a chronic presentation to a more dynamic paradigm. Accordingly, schizophrenia is now conceptualized as a progressive illness that typically emerges during late adolescence and follows different stages: early vulnerability, ultra-high risk state, first episode of psychosis, and chronic disease. Only one-quarter of the ultra-high risk patients will convert to a full-blown psychotic episode within 3 years while the others, called non-converters, will remain at-risk, develop other psychiatric disorders, or fully recover. The reasons for this differential outcome are not yet understood but this concept opens the way to scientific research to determine the protective factors involved in resilience for non-converters. Based on the Gene X Environment interaction model, schizophrenia results from genetic vulnerability and environmental aggressions which can have an impact on the epigenome and gene expression. Recent studies have shown that genetic variants play a role in the resilience of psychosis. Polygenic risk scores, computed as the addition of genetic polymorphisms, can modulate the effects of genetic at-risk deletions (i.e. del22q11) that predispose to psychosis and may also influence the cognitive symptoms of ultra-high risk patients. Resilience, defined as the ability to withstand adversity, is not only related to external skills or psychotherapeutic care but could also be explained by internal molecular factors. Identifying the genetic factors of resilience might help to stratify the risk and to develop precision medicine in psychiatry.

Identification of ISG15 and ZFP36 as novel hypoxia- and immune-related gene signatures contributing to a new perspective for the treatment of prostate cancer by bioinformatics and experimental verification

Background

Prostatic cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors in men worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates significance of hypoxia and immunity in PCa invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to develop a hypoxia- and immune-related gene risk signature and explore the molecular mechanisms to formulate a better prognostic tool for PCa patients.

Methods

The hypoxia and immune scores of all PCa patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset were calculated via the maximally selected rank statistics method and the ESTIMATE algorithm. From common genes identified overlapping hypoxia- and immune-related differentially expressed genes (DE-HRGs and DE-IRGs), a hypoxia- and immune-related gene risk signature was developed utilizing univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and validated in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) database. The immune cell infiltration level of PCa samples were evaluated with ssGSEA algorithm. Differential expression of prognostic genes was evidenced by immunohistochemistry and western blot (WB) in paired PCa samples. Expression levels of these genes and their variations under regular and hypoxic conditions were examined in cell lines. The functional effects of the prognostic gene on PCa cells were examined by wound healing and transwell assays.

Results

A hypoxia- and immune-related gene risk signature constructed by ISG15 and ZFP36 displays significant predictive potency, with higher risk score representing worse survival. A nomogram based on independent prognostic factors including the risk score and Gleason score exhibited excellent clinical value in the survival prediction of PCa. Infiltration levels of eosinophils, neutrophils, Tcm, Tem, TFH, Th1 cells, and Th17 cells were significantly lower in the high-risk group. Conversely, aDC, pDC, T helper cells, and Tregs were significantly higher. Additionally, the two prognostic genes were closely correlated with the tumor-infiltrating immune cell subset in PCa progression. RT-qPCR and WB presented higher and lower expression of ISG15 and ZFP36 in PCa cells, respectively. They were correspondingly increased and decreased in PCa cells under hypoxic conditions. Wound healing and transwell assays showed that over-expression of ISG15 promoted the migration and invasion of PCa cells.

Conclusion

Our study identified a novel hypoxia- and immune-related gene signature, contributing a new perspective to the treatment of PCa

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03398-4.

[A single-center retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive cases treated with lenalidomide/bortezomib/dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide combined with bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVD) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Methods: A total of 100 consecutive NDMM patients treated with RVD from August 2016 to September 2020 at Peking University People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including response, drug toxicity, follow-up and survival, and subgroup analysis. Results: The median follow-up time was 19.5 (2.0-57.0) months. For patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) after RVD regimen, the objective response rate (ORR)/complete response+stringent complete response (CR+sCR)/≥very good partial response (VGPR) rates were 100%, 73.3% (33/45), 95.6% (43/45) respectively. For 54 patients not receiving transplantation, the ORR/CR+sCR/≥VGPR rates were 79.6% (43/54), 18.5% (10/54), 51.9% (28/54) respectively. As to the survival analysis, 2-year progression free survival (PFS) rates were 84.5% and 70.9% in transplant and non-transplant patients respectively (P=0.102). Two-year overall survival (OS) rates were 100% and 80.8% in transplant and non-transplant patients respectively (P=0.003). The common hematologic adverse events (AEs) were thrombocytopenia (33%) and neutropenia (25%). Abnormal liver function (43%) and peripheral neuropathy (24%) were recognized more as non-hematologic AEs. Conclusion: RVD as front-line regimen has high efficient response rate and acceptable safety in Chinese NDMM patients.

Multiple statistical models reveal specific volatile organic compounds affect sex hormones in American adult male: NHANES 2013-2016

BACKGROUND

Some VOCs are identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfering with the effect of sex hormones. However, no studies focused on the common spectrum of environmental VOCs exposure affecting sex hormones in the average male population.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the association between VOCs and sex hormones in American adult males using multiple statistical models.

METHODS

The generalized linear (GLM), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), weighted quantile sum (WQS), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and stratified models were used to evaluate the associations between Specific Volatile Organic Compounds and sex hormones in American adult male from NHANES 2013-2016.

RESULTS

Pearson correlation model revealed the potential co-exposure pattern among VOCs. XGBoost algorithm models and the WQS model suggested the relative importance of VOCs. BKMR models reveal that co-exposure to the VOCs was associated with increased Testosterone (TT), Estradiol (E₂), SHBG and decreased TT/E₂. GLM models revealed specific VOC exposure as an independent risk factor causing male sex hormones disorders. Stratified analysis identified the high-risk group on the VOCs exposures. We found Blood 2,5-Dimethylfuran in VOCs was the most significant effect on sex hormones in male. Testosterone increased by 213.594 (ng/dL) (124.552, 302.636) and estradiol increased by 7.229 (pg/mL) for each additional unit of blood 2,5-Dimethylfuran (ng/mL).

CONCLUSION

This study is an academic illustration of the association between VOCs exposure and sex hormones, suggesting that exposure to VOCs might be associated with sex hormone metabolic disorder in American adult males.

[Analysis of the clinical characteristics of 24 cases of hematological malignancies with SET-NUP214 fusion gene]

目的

探讨SET-NUP214融合基因在血液恶性肿瘤中的表达，分析其相关的临床及生物学特征。

方法

回顾性分析2012年1月至2018年12月北京大学人民医院诊断的24例SET-NUP214融合基因阳性血液恶性肿瘤患者的临床资料，并采用Kaplan-Meier法进行生存分析。

结果

24例患者中，急性淋巴细胞白血病（ALL）15例（T-ALL 13例，B-ALL 2例）、急性髓系白血病（AML）7例，T/髓混合急性白血病2例。13例T-ALL患者免疫表型以CD3⁺CD2⁻为主要特征，73.3％的ALL患者伴有髓系标志表达，85.7％的AML患者表达CD7。24例患者诱导化疗完全缓解（CR）率91.7％。全部患者均接受异基因造血干细胞移植，中位随访24个月，AML和ALL的3年无复发生存（RFS）率分别为85.7％和33.3％，差异无统计学意义（P＝0.128）。比较13例SET-NUP214阳性与62例SET-NUP214阴性T-ALL患者的疗效，诱导化疗CR率分别为92.3％和93.5％（P＝0.445），诱导化疗4周CR率分别为69.2％和72.6％（P＝0.187），差异均无统计学意义。接受造血干细胞移植后，SET-NUP214阳性T-ALL患者的3年RFS率（38.5％）明显低于SET-NUP214阴性T-ALL患者（66.4％）（P＝0.028）。

结论

SET-NUP214融合基因主要见于T细胞源性血液肿瘤，伴SET-NUP214融合基因T-ALL预后较差。

Relationship between electrocardiographic changes and EPO level in stable CAD patients with autonomic nerve functional damage

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between electrocardiographic changes and erythropoietin (EPO) level in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with autonomic nerve functional damage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data of 96 stable CAD patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were grouped according to whether autonomic nerve function damage was combined; the baseline characteristic data and the morphological characteristics of ECG scattergram were compared between 2 groups, and the relationship between ECG scattergram and EPO level & autonomic nerve function was analyzed.

RESULTS

The levels of EPO and red cell volume distributing width (RDW) in stable CAD patients with autonomic nerve dysfunction were significantly higher than that of CAD patients without autonomic nerve dysfunction (p<0.05). The length of scattergram in stable CAD patients with autonomic nerve dysfunction was significantly shorter than that of those without autonomic nerve dysfunction (p<0.05). The cometary sign proportion of ECG scattergram in stable CAD patients with autonomic nerve dysfunction was significantly lower than that of stable CAD patients without autonomic nerve dysfunction (p<0.05). There was negative correlation between EPO levels and scattergram length in stable CAD patients with and without autonomic nerve dysfunction (r=0.44, p=0.02). There was no correlation between EPO levels and scatter width in stable CAD patients with and without autonomic nerve dysfunction (r=0.10, p=0.58). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that EPO level was the independent risk factor for the occurrence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with stable CAD (p<0.05). The length of scattergram was the independent protective factor of autonomic nerve function impairment in patients with stable CAD (p<0.05). The AUC of EPO level and scattergram was 0.74 and 0.72 respectively, both of which have similar prediction value.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of EPO in stable CAD patients with autonomic nerve dysfunction was related to the change of ECG; and the EPO level and scattergram length can be used to predict the occurrence risk of autonomic nerve dysfunction.

[Estimation of dietary salt intake in adult residents in Anhui province, 2019]

Objective: Based on the data of the baseline survey of hypertension and sodium intake monitoring in Anhui province in 2019, the salt intake in adult residents was estimated. Methods: Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select participants aged 18-69 years, questionnaire survey and related measurements were conducted. Salt intake in participants with different characteristics were estimated with complex sample and linearization of Taylor series based on design and the correlation between salt intake and blood pressure, waist circumference and BMI were tested by linear regression. Results: A total of 1 500 participants were included. The overall salt intake was 9.14 g/d, which was 9.84 g/d in men and 8.47 g/d in women (P<0.05). The differences in salt intake across different subgroups were significant (P<0.05). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that salt intake was positively correlated with SBP, DBP, waist circumference and BMI (P<0.05), while multivariate linear regression analysis (adjusted for other factors) only showed a positive correlation between salt intake and BMI (β=0.053,95%CI: 0.028-0.078, P<0.05). Conclusion: The dietary salt intake in adult residents in Anhui was higher than WHO recommendation, suggesting that public health education need to be taken to reduce salt intake.

[Bibliometric and visual analysis of current status and trends of international research on keloids]

Objective: To conduct a bibliometric and visual analysis of the current status and trends of international research on keloids. Methods: The articles on keloid research from 2000 to 2020 in the core collection of Web of Science database were retrieved. The bibliometrics method was applied to analyze the number of articles published per year, journals and the first authors, countries and institutions, research fields, the annual citation frequency of cumulative published articles, highly cited articles, keywords. CiteSpace5.6.R2 software was applied to visually cluster keywords of the included articles, while VOSviewer1.6.13 software was applied to visually cluster keywords in titles and abstracts of the included articles in order to analyze research directions and development trends. Results: A total of 2 693 keloid-related articles were retrieved. From 2000 to 2020, the number of keloid-related articles published every year showed a significant upward trend. Totally 777 journals published keloid-related articles, of which Dermatologic Surgery published the most. Rei Ogawa published the largest number of keloid-related articles as the first author of 52 related articles. Keloid-related researches were conducted in a total of 98 countries, of which the United States published the largest number of related articles (613 articles), followed by China (524 articles) and Japan (107 articles). A total of 2 656 institutions conducted keloid-related research, and the institution with the largest number of related articles published was Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China (67 articles). According to the subject classification of the Web of Science database, the included articles involved 110 research fields, and the top three were dermatology, surgery, and medicine, research and experimental. The included articles were cited 47 746 times in total, and the citation frequency of cumulative published articles increased by year. The most frequently cited article (152 times) was published in 2011. There were a total of 45 571 keywords in the included literature. The top 5 keywords ranked according to the number of articles involved from high to low were keloid (588 articles), hypertrophic scar (385 articles), expression (198 articles), fibroblast (155 articles), and scar (133 articles). The keyword map visualized by CiteSpace5.6.R2 software further displayed that the research focused on the cause, performance, and composition of keloids. VOSviewer1.6.13 software analysis showed that the research direction of keloids was divided into two categories of clinical keloid management and keloid mechanism research, the initial research hotspots were mainly to explore the diagnosis and treatment of keloids from individual cases, with a preference for apparent research, while in the later stage, the focus was on the overall management of keloids, in which the mechanism research went to the molecular level. Conclusions: At present, international research interest on keloids is showing an upward trend. Both foreign (the United States, etc.) and domestic research institutions are conducting in-depth explorations of keloids. With dermatology as the leader, the research trend is gradually shifting from observational research to molecular research.

LncRNA NEAT1 regulates proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

The occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-step complex process and the exact molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. LncRNA NEAT1 is involved in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the role of LncRNA NEAT1 in HCC remains unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of HCC patients were collected and LncRNA NEAT1 expression was detected by Real time PCR. The hepatoma cell line HepG2 was cultured and transfected with lnc RNA NEAT1 siRNA or lnc RNA NEAT1 plasmid followed by analysis of LncRNA NEAT1 expression, cell proliferation by MTT assay, as well as Caspase 3 activity. In addition, cell apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometry and cell invasion was measured by transwell chambers. The expression of EGFR, Bax and Bcl-2 was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

LncRNA NEAT1 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues (p < 0.05). Compared with the siRNA group, transfection of lncRNA NEAT1 siRNA into HepG2 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased Caspase 3 activity and apoptosis, reduced cell invasion, as well as arrested cell cycle (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, lncRNA NEAT1 siRNA also significantly decreased Bcl-2 and EGFR expression and increased Bax expression (p < 0.05). Transfection of lncRNA NEAT1 plasmid in hepatoma cells HepG2 reversed the above changes, compared with vector group, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA NEAT1 expression is increased in liver cancer tissues. Down-regulation of LncRNA NEAT1 can inhibit EGFR expression and promote hepatoma cell apoptosis, inhibit cell cycle, thus inhibiting tumor proliferation and invasion.

Tanshinone ⅡA may alleviate rifampin-induced cholestasis by regulating the expression and function of NTCP

The Na⁺-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) acts as the major hepatic basolateral uptake system, and plays a key role in balancing bile flow. The anti-tuberculosis drugs rifampin (RFP) can affect bile flow causing liver injury, while tanshinone IIA (TAN IIA) has the effect of protecting liver. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RFP and TAN IIA on the NTCP expression and activity, and explore the potential connections. Herein, we established sandwich-cultured primary rat hepatocytes, and quantified mRNA and protein levels of NRF2 and NTCP after treatment with RFP (10, 25, or 50 μM) or co-treatment with TAN IIA (5, 10, or 20 μM) for 12, 24, 48 h (n = 3). NTCP activity was assessed by measuring the initial uptake rates of known substrates taurocholate (TCA) (n = 3) after treatment with different concentrations of RFP, TAN ⅡA for 12, 24 and 48 h. We found that RFP had inhibition effects on NRF2, NTCP mRNA and protein expression, and co-administration of TAN IIA could reverse RFP inhibition. TCA cellular accumulation was significantly decreased by RFP (39.1%), and TAN IIA could significantly induce TCA uptake of NTCP (2.9-fold at 48 h). The TCA uptake activity was correlated with the NTCP mRNA expression, confirming the role of RFP or TAN IIA on NTCP expression and activity is synchronous, and we can predict NTCP activity by detecting its mRNA expression. In conclusion, our work will enrich the significance of NTCP in the liver protection, and provide theoretical basis for TAN IIA to prevent RFP induced cholestatic liver injury.

The STING-IRF3 pathway is involved in lipotoxic injury of pancreatic β cells in type 2 diabetes

Lipotoxic injury of pancreatic β cells is an important pathological feature in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) can recognize its own DNA leaked into the cytoplasm from damaged mitochondria or nuclei of the host cell, thus activating its downstream factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), causing inflammation and apoptosis. The STING-IRF3 signaling pathway is closely related to glycolipid metabolism, but its relationship with the lipotoxicity of pancreatic β cells has rarely been reported. Here, we investigated the role of the STING-IRF3 signaling pathway in lipotoxicity-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and dysfunction of pancreatic β cells. We examined the activation of STING and IRF3 in islets of db/db mice and identified the role of the STING-IRF3 signaling pathway in palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxic injury of INS-1, a rat insulinoma cell line. STING and phosphorylated IRF3 including downstream interferon-β were upregulated in islets of db/db mice and PA-induced INS-1 cells. Gene silencing of STING or IRF3 ameliorated PA-induced INS-1 cell inflammation and apoptosis, and reversed impaired insulin synthesis. Additionally, PA induced downregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling pathway, and impaired high glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was reversed after knockdown of STING or IRF3. Our results suggest that activation of the STING-IRF3 pathway triggers inflammation and apoptosis of pancreatic β cells, leading to β-cell damage and dysfunction. Hence, inhibition of this signaling pathway may represent a novel approach for β-cell protection in T2DM.