[Phase Ⅱ clinical trial of PD-1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and safety of programmed death 1(PD-1) inhibitory combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled phase Ⅱ trial. Patients recruited from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from July 2021 to February 2023 were randomly divided into two groups in a 1∶1 ratio: the experimental group (Toripalimab combined with albumin paclitaxel and cisplatin) and the control group (albumin paclitaxel and cisplatin); patients in both groups underwent three cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. After completion of neoadjuvant therapy, patients were evaluated and subsequent surgical treatment was performed. According to the completion of treatment, the analysis was conducted on both the full analysis set and the protocol set. The effectiveness and safety of treatments were evaluated. SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 41 cases with oral cancer were enrolled, including 26 males and 15 females, aged between 34 and 74 years old. There were 23 cases in the experimental group and 18 cases in the control group. A total of 23 cases completed neoadjuvant therapy and surgery according to the protocol. Experimental group and control group showed respectively the complete response rates of 1/19 and 0/17, the partial response rates of 13/19 and 8/17, the stage-down rates of 4/19 and 3/17, the pathologic complete response rate of 8/14 and 2/9, with no statistically significant differences in individual rates between two groups (P>0.05). The major pathological response rate of 13/14 in experimental group was higher than that of 2/9 in control group (P<0.05). The incidence of grade 3-4 adverse reactions related to treatment was low in both groups (4/23 vs. 3/18, χ2=0.13, P=0.72), and the most common serious adverse reactions in the experimental group were granulocyte deficiency and electrolyte disorder. There were no adverse reactions that affected subsequent surgical treatment or caused death, and the safety and tolerability were good. The median follow-up time was 15 months, and the one-year disease-free survival rate of the experimental group was higher than that of control group (92.86% vs. 77.78%, χ2=0.62, P=0.42), with a relative decrease of 87% in the risk of disease progression or death (P=0.029). For patients with programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1) protein expression combined positive score≥20, the experimental group showed higher major pathological response rate than control group (5/5 vs. 0/4, P=0.03). Conclusion: The neoadjuvant therapy of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy can improve the pathological remission of oral squamous cell carcinoma and the long-term survival benefits and the prognosis of patients.

[Respiratory virus infection and its influence on outcome in children with septic shock]

Objective: To investigate respiratory virus infection in children with septic shock in pediatric care units (PICU) in China and its influence on clinical outcomes. Methods: The clinical data of children with septic shock in children's PICU from January 2018 to December 2019 in 10 Chinese hospitals were retrospectively collected. They were divided into the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups according to the onset of disease, and the characteristics and composition of respiratory virus in the 2 groups were compared. Matching age, malignant underlying diseases, bacteria, fungi and other viruses, a new database was generated using 1∶1 propensity score matching method. The children were divided into the respiratory virus group and non-respiratory virus group according to the presence or absence of respiratory virus infection; their clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment were compared by t-test, rank sum test and Chi-square test. The correlation between respiratory virus infection and the clinical outcomes was analyzed by logistic regression. Results: A total of 1 247 children with septic shock were included in the study, of them 748 were male; the age was 37 (11, 105) months. In the pre-and post-COVID-19 groups, there were 530 and 717 cases of septic shock, respectively; the positive rate of respiratory virus was 14.9% (79 cases) and 9.8% (70 cases); the seasonal distribution of septic shock was 28.9% (153/530) and 25.9% (185/717) in autumn, and 30.3% (161/530) and 28.3% (203/717) in winter, respectively, and the corresponding positive rates of respiratory viruses were 19.6% (30/153) and 15.7% (29/185) in autumn, and 21.1% (34/161) and 15.3% (31/203) in winter, respectively. The positive rates of influenza virus and adenovirus in the post-COVID-19 group were lower than those in the pre-COVID-19 group (2.1% (15/717) vs. 7.5% (40/530), and 0.7% (5/717) vs. 3.2% (17/530), χ2=21.51 and 11.08, respectively; all P<0.05). Rhinovirus virus were higher than those in the pre-Covid-19 group (1.7% (12/717) vs. 0.2% (1/530), χ2=6.51, P=0.011). After propensity score matching, there were 147 cases in both the respiratory virus group and the non-respiratory virus group. Rate of respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress, rate of disseminated coagulation dysfunction, and immunoglobulin usage of the respiratory virus group were higher than those of non-respiratory virus group (77.6% (114/147) vs. 59.2% (87/147), 17.7% (26/147) vs. 4.1% (6/147), 15.6% (25/147) vs. 4.1% (7/147), and 35.4% (52/147) vs. 21.4% (32/147); χ2=11.07, 14.02, 11.06 and 6.67, all P<0.05); and PICU hospitalization of the former was longer than that of the later (7 (3, 16) vs. 3 (1, 7)d, Z=5.01, P<0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of respiratory viral infection was associated with respiratory failure, disseminated coagulation dysfunction, the use of mechanical ventilation, and the use of immunoglobulin and anti-respiratory viral drugs (OR=2.42, 0.22, 0.25, 0.56 and 1.12, all P<0.05). Conclusions: The composition of respiratory virus infection in children with septic shock is different between pre and post-COVID-19. Respiratory viral infection is associated with organ dysfunction in children with septic shock. Decreasing respiratory viral infection through respiratory protection may improve the clinical outcome of these children.

[To compare the efficacy and incidence of severe hematological adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.

[Application of synthetic MRI in predicting isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 genotypes in gliomas]

This study analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 81 glioma patients who underwent brain synthetic MRI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) examination in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from August 2020 to September 2021 to explore the value of synthetic MRI relaxation quantitative value in predicting the genotype of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in gliomas. There were 44 males and 37 females, those patients with an aged 50.0 (36.5, 59.0) years. The tumor pre-T1, pre-T2, pre-PD, post-T1 and ADC values were obtained by outlining the region of interest (ROI). Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences of parameter values between groups, and the receiver operating characteristic was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each parameter value in predicting glioma IDH1 genotype. The results showed that the pre-T1 and pre-PD values [M (Q1, Q3)] of IDH1m glioma were lower than those of IDH1w glioma [1 462.75 (1 306.41, 1 567.75) ms vs 1 532.83 (1 434.67, 1 617.67) ms, 84.18 (82.28, 86.41) pu vs 85.85 (84.65, 86.90) pu] (all P<0.05). The post-T1 and ADC values of IDH1m glioma were higher than those of IDH1w glioma [1 054.50 (631.92, 1 262.63) ms vs 669.67 (535.17, 823.33) ms, 1.20 (0.86, 1.35) ×10-3 mm2/s vs 0.80 (0.76, 0.93) ×10-3 mm2/s] (all P<0.05). The AUC of the combined model (pre-T1+pre-PD+post-T1+ADC+Age) is 0.828 (95%CI:0.729-0.903). Synthetic MRI relaxation quantitative values are helpful to distinguish IDH1 genotypes in glioma. The diagnostic efficacy of the multi-parameter combined model based on pre-T1, pre-PD, post-T1, ADC, and age is better than that of the single parameter, and it can be used as an effective strategy to improve the differential diagnosis ability of gliomas molecular markers.

[Sequential treatment of oral and maxillofacial deformities with hemifacial microsomia]

The incidence of the first and second branchial arch syndrome namely hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is the second only to cleft lip and palate, and it is a very common craniofacial developmental deformity. This congenital condition affects the development of the orbit, ear, and mandible, and the clinical manifestations of each patient are significantly heterogeneous. Clinical treatment needs to formulate corresponding treatment measures according to different degrees of tissue deformity at different ages. This article puts forward personal suggestions for the sequential treatment of oral and maxillofacial deformities of HFM from the perspective of patient age and classification.

[Expert consensus on the biobank development of oral genetic diseases and rare diseases and storage codes of related biological samples from craniofacial and oral region]

The biological samples of oral genetic diseases and rare diseases are extremely precious. Collecting and preserving these biological samples are helpful to elucidate the mechanisms and improve the level of diagnose and treatment of oral genetic diseases and rare diseases. The standardized construction of biobanks for oral genetic diseases and rare diseases is important for achieving these goals. At present, there is very little information on the construction of these biobanks, and the standards or suggestions for the classification and coding of biological samples from oral and maxillofacial sources, and this is not conducive to the standardization and information construction of biobanks for special oral diseases. This consensus summarizes the background, necessity, principles, and key points of constructing the biobank for oral genetic diseases and rare diseases. On the base of the group standard "Classification and Coding for Human Biomaterial" (GB/T 39768-2021) issued by the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Biological Samples, we suggest 76 new coding numbers for different of biological samples from oral and maxillofacial sources. We hope the consensus may promote the standardization, and smartization on the biobank construction as well as the overall research level of oral genetic diseases and rare diseases in China.

PRRX1+MSCs Enhance Mandibular Regeneration during Distraction Osteogenesis

Bone defect (BD) caused by trauma, infection, congenital defects, or neoplasia is a major cause of physical limitation. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a highly effective procedure for bone regeneration, while the concrete mechanism remains unknown. In this study, canine DO and BD models of the mandible were established. The results of micro-computed tomography and histological staining revealed that DO led to an increased mineralized volume fraction and robust new bone formation; in contrast, BD demonstrated incomplete bone union. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from DO and BD calluses were isolated and identified. Compared with BD-MSCs, DO-MSCs were found to have a stronger osteogenic capability. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was further performed to comprehensively define cell differences between mandibular DO and BD calluses. Twenty-six clusters of cells representing 6 major cell populations were identified, including paired related homeobox 1-expressing MSCs (PRRX1⁺MSCs), endothelial cells (ECs), T cells, B cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. Interestingly, 2 subpopulations in PRRX1⁺MSCs in the DO group were found to express the marker of neural crest cells (NCCs) and were associated with the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The immunofluorescence assay was performed to further corroborate these results in vivo and in vitro, experimentally validating that continuous distraction maintained the PRRX1⁺MSCs in an embryonic-like state. Finally, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out (KO) PRRX1 in the context of DO, which significantly blunted the capability of jawbone regeneration, resulting in a diminished NCC-like program and reduction of new bone volume. In addition, the ability of osteogenesis, cell migration, and proliferation in cultured PRRX1^KO MSCs was inhibited. Taken together, this study provides a novel, comprehensive atlas of the cell fates in the context of DO regeneration, and PRRX1⁺MSCs act essential roles.

[Clinical application of sectional feldspathic porcelain veneers in maxillary midline diastema closure]

The presence of midline diastema is a common complaint of patients that may affect dentofacial esthetics. This article summarized the etiology of maxillary midline diastema, and introduced the clinical application of sectional feldspathic porcelain veneers in maxillary midline diastema closure, including indication selection as well as clinical procedure. It aimed to provide an alternative solution on clinical treatment of maxillary midline diastema.

[Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric septic shock in pediatric intensive care units from hospitals of different levels]

Objective: To investigate the differences in clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric septic shock in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) among hospitals of different levels. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 368 children with septic shock treated in the PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital, Henan Children's Hospital, and Baoding Children's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. Their clinical data were collected, including the general information, location of onset (community or hospital-acquired), severity, pathogen positivity, consistence of guideline (the rate of standard attainment at 6 h after resuscitation and the rate of anti-infective drug administration within 1 h after diagnosis), treatment, and in-hospital mortality. The 3 hospitals were national, provincial, and municipal, respectively. Furthermore, the patients were divided into the tumor group and the non-tumor group, and into the in-hospital referral group and the outpatient or emergency admission group. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. Results: The 368 patients aged 32 (11, 98) months, of whom 223 were males and 145 females. There were 215, 107, and 46 patients with septic shock, with males of 141, 51, and 31 cases, from the national, provincial, and municipal hospitals, respectively. The difference in pediatric risk of mortality Ⅲ (PRISM Ⅲ) scores among the national,provincial and municipal group was statistically significant (26(19, 32) vs.19(12, 26) vs. 12(6, 19), Z=60.25,P<0.001). The difference in community acquired septic shock among the national,provincial and municipal group was statistically significant (31.6%(68/215) vs. 84.1%(90/107) vs. 91.3%(42/46), χ²=108.26,P<0.001). There were no significant differences in compliance with guidelines among the 3 groups (P>0.05). The main bacteria detected in the national group were Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.4% (12/78)) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4% (12/78)); in the provincial group were Staphylococcus aureus (19.0% (12/63)) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.7% (8/63)), and in the municipal group were Streptococcus pneumoniae (40.0% (10/25)) and Enteric bacilli (16.0% (4/25)). The difference in the proportion of virus and the proportion of 3 or more initial antimicrobials used among the national,provincial and municipal group was statistically significant (27.7% (43/155) vs. 14.9% (13/87) vs. 9.1% (3/33), 22.8%(49/215) vs. 11.2%(12/107) vs. 6.5%(3/46), χ²=8.82, 10.99, both P<0.05). There was no difference in the in-hospital mortality among the 3 groups (P>0.05). Regarding the subgroups of tumor and non-tumor, the national group had higher PRISM Ⅲ (31(24, 38) vs. 22 (21, 28) vs.16 (9, 22), 24 (18, 30) vs. 17(8, 24) vs. 10 (5, 16), Z=30.34, 10.45, both P<0.001), and it was the same for the subgroups of in-hospital referral and out-patient or emergency admission (29 (21, 39) vs. 23 (17, 30) vs. 15 (10, 29), 23 (17, 29) vs. 18 (10, 24) vs. 11 (5, 16), Z=20.33, 14.25, both P<0.001) as compared to the provincial and municipal group. There was no significant difference in the in-hospital mortality among the 2 pairs of subgroups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: There are differences in the severity, location of onset, pathogen composition, and initial antibiotics of pediatric septic shock in children's hospitals of different levels, but no differences in compliance with guidelines and in-hospital survival rate.

The effects of ALDH2 Glu487Lys polymorphism on vasovagal syncope patients undergoing head-up tilt test supplemented with sublingual nitroglycerin

Background and objective

Head-up tilt test (HUTT) is clinically advantageous for diagnosing patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS). Nitroglycerin is mainly used as a stimulant during HUTT, and mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is involved in the metabolism of nitroglycerin (NTG). ALDH2 Glu487Lys polymorphism (ALDH2 rs671) is the most common variant in the East Asian population. This study aimed to assess the effects of ALDH2 rs671 on VVS patients undergoing HUTT supplemented with sublingual NTG (HUTT-NTG). 

Methods

Patients with recurrent VVS (at least 2 times) who were admitted to the syncope center of our hospital were enrolled. All VVS patients have undergone HUTT. The polymorphism of Glu487Lys gene of ALDH2 was measured by the DNA Microarray Chip Method. The results of HUTT-NTG of VVS patients with different ALDH2 genotypes were compared and their hemodynamic characteristics were assessed.

Results

A total of 199 VVS patients were enrolled, including 101 patients in the ALDH2*1/*1 group and 98 patients in the ALDH2*2 group. Among patients undergoing HUTT-NTG, 70.3% of patients in the ALDH2*1/*1 group and 68.4% of patients in the ALDH2*2 group were positive, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.77). The proportions of VASIS I, VASIS II, and VASIS III were 40.6%, 8.9%, and 20.8% in the ALDH2*1/*1 group, respectively, and the corresponding proportions in the ALDH2*2 group were 36.7%, 11.2%, and 20.4%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.91). The hemodynamic characteristics of different genotypes in VVS patients undergoing HUTT-NTG were compared, and no statistically significant difference was found. The median time of syncopal episode occurred after NTG administration in the ALDH2*1/*1 group was 6 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.0–9.0), and it was 6.0 min in the ALDH2*2 group (IQR: 4.25–8.0, P = 0.64).

Conclusion

ALDH2 Glu487Lys polymorphism did not affect the outcome of VVS patients undergoing HUTT-NTG, and no significant change in the hemodynamic characteristics of different genotypes was found.

Self-compression of stimulated Raman backscattering by a flying focus

The regime of self-compression has been proposed for plasma-based backward Raman amplification upon a flying focus. By using a pumping focus moving with a speed equal to the group velocity of stimulated Raman backscattering (SRBS), only a short part of SRBS which always synchronizes with the flying focus can be amplified. Therefore, instead of a short pulse, plasma noise or a long pulse can seed the BRA amplifiers. Here we demonstrate the regime by 2D particle-in-cell simulations, showing that the pump pulse is compressed from 26 ps to 116 fs, with an output amplitude comparable with the case of a well-synchronized short seed. As only one laser pulse is used in the simulation, the results present a significant path to simplify the Raman amplifiers.

Chondrocyte apoptosis in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis promotes bone resorption by enhancing chemotaxis of osteoclast precursors

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of chondrocyte apoptosis on the chemotaxis of osteoclast precursors (OCPs) during bone destruction.

DESIGN

The relationship between cartilage and bone destruction was verified with a rat temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) model. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK (ZVAD) was applied to confirm the chemotactic effect of chondrocyte apoptosis on OCPs. Synthesis and release of the key chemokine CX3CL1 in apoptotic and non-apoptotic chondrocytes was assessed with IHC, IF, WB, and ELISA. The function of CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in the chemotaxis of OCPs was examined by CX3XR1 inhibitor AZD8797 (AZD) and si-CX3CL1. The regulatory effect of p38 MAPK on CX3CL1 release was verified by p38 inhibitor PH-797804.

RESULTS

A temporal and spatial association between cartilage degradation and bone resorption was found in the TMJOA model. The caspase-dependent chondrocyte apoptosis promoted chemotaxis of OCPs, which can be restrained by ZVAD. CX3CL1 was significantly upregulated when chondrocytes underwent apoptosis, and it played a critical role in the recruitment of OCPs, blockage of CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis resulted in less bone resorption in TMJOA. P38 MAPK was activated in apoptotic chondrocytes, and had a regulatory effect on the synthesis and release of CX3CL1. After inhibition of p38 by PH-797804, the chemotactic effect of apoptotic chondrocytes on OCPs was limited.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that apoptosis of chondrocytes in TMJOA enhances chemotaxis of OCPs toward osteoclast precursors through upregulation of the p38-CX3CL1 axis, thereby promoting the activation of local osteoclasts.

Comprehensive analysis of the PD-L1 and immune infiltrates of N6-methyladenosine related long non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most frequent genitourinary cancers, with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The connection of m6A-related lncRNAs with PD-L1 and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in BLCA prognosis was extensively investigated in this study, which could suggest novel therapeutic targets for further investigation. 30 m6A-associated lncRNAs with predictive values from the TCGA data set were identified with co-expression analysis. Cluster2 was correlated with a poor prognosis, upregulated PD-L1 expression, and higher immune ratings. Cluster2 had larger amounts of resting CD4 memory-activated T cells, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and NK cells infiltration. "CHEMOKINE SIGNALING PATHWAY" was the most significantly enriched signaling pathway according to GSEA, which may play an important role in the different immune cell infiltrates between cluster1/2. The risk model for m6A-related lncRNAs could be employed in a prognostic model to predict BLCA prognosis, regardless of other clinical features. Collectively, m6A-related lncRNAs were linked to PD-L1 and TIME, which would dynamically affect the number of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. m6A-related lncRNAs may be key mediators of PD-L1 expression and immune cells infiltration and may strongly affect the TIME of BLCA.

[Clinical characteristics and risk factors of pericardial effusion after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with thalassemia major]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of thalassemia major (TM) children with pericardial effusion (PE) after allo-geneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Clinical data of 446 TM children received allo-HSCT at Shenzhen Children's Hospital between January 2012 and December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into PE and non-PE group according to the occurrence of PE. Chi-square tests were used to investigate the risk factors that were associated with the development of PE. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis of the 2 groups. Results: Twenty-five out of 446 patients (5.6%) developed PE at a time of 75.0 (66.5, 112.5) days after allo-HSCT. Among these patients, 22 cases (88.0%) had PE within 6 months after allo-HSCT and 19 patients (76.0%) had PE within 100 days after allo-HSCT. The diagnoses of PE were confirmed using echocardiography. Pericardial tamponade was observed in only 1 patient, who later undergone emergency pericardiocentesis. The rest of patients received conservative managements alone. PE disappeared in all patients after treatment. Risk factors that were associated with the development of PE after allo-HSCT included the gender of patients, the type of transplantation, the number of mononuclear cells (MNC) infuse, pulmonary infection after HSCT and transplantation associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) (χ²=3.99, 10.20, 14.18, 36.24, 15.03, all P<0.05). In 239 patients that received haploidentical HSCT, the development of PE was associated with the gender of patients, pulmonary infection after HSCT and TA-TMA (χ²=4.48, 20.89, 12.70, all P<0.05). The overall survival rates of PE and non-PE groups were 96.0% (24/25) and 98.6% (415/421). The development of PE was not associated with the overall survival of TM children after allo-HSCT (χ²=1.73, P=0.188). Conclusions: PE mainly develop within 100 days after allo-HSCT in pediatric TM recipients. Haploidentical grafts, female gender, pulmonary infection after HSCT and TA-TMA are the main risk factors associated with PE development after transplant. However, the presence of PE don't have a significant impact on the outcomes of pediatric TM patients after allo-HSCT.

[Outcome of radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type]

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and determine the failure patterns after radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type (ENKTCL). Methods: A total of 557 patients from 2000-2015 with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL who received radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy (CT) from China Lymphoma Collaborative Group were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 427 patients received combined modality therapy, whereas 130 patients received RT alone. Survivals were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test. Overall survival (OS) was compared with age and sex-matched general Chinese population using expected survival and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Cox stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The 5-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were 87.2% and 77.2%. The SMR was 3.59 (P<0.001) at 1 year after treatment, whereas it was 1.50 at 4 years after treatment, without significant difference between ENKTCL group and country-matched general population (P=0.146). Compared with RT alone, CMT did not result in significantly superior 5-year OS (87.0% vs 87.4%, P=0.961) or PFS (76.1% vs 80.7%, P=0.129). Local failure (11.5%, 64/557) and distant failure (10.8%, 60/557) were the main failure modes, while regional failure was rare (2.9%, 16/557). The 5-year locoregional control rate (LRC) was 87.2% for the whole group, with 89.5% for ≥50 Gy versus 73.7% for <50 Gy (P<0.001). Radiotherapy dose was an independent factor affecting LRC(P<0.05). Conclusions: Radiotherapy achieves a favorable prognosis in patients with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL. The incidence of either locoregional or distant failure is low. Radiation dose still is an important prognostic factor for LRC.

Quantification of peak blood flow velocity at the cardiac valve and great thoracic vessels by four-dimensional flow and two-dimensional phase-contrast MRI compared with echocardiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To objectively examine the agreement and correlation between four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and traditional two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast (PC) MRI with the reference standard of Doppler echocardiography for measuring peak blood velocity at the cardiac valve and great arteries, and to assess if 4D flow MRI offers an advantage over the traditional 2D method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature was searched systematically for studies that evaluate the degree of correlation and agreement between 4D flow MRI or 2D PC MRI and Doppler retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the peak velocity pooled bias with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and correlation coefficient (r) for 4D flow MRI and 2D PC MRI compared with Doppler.

RESULTS

Ten studies that compared 4D flow MRI with Doppler and 12 studies that compared 2D PC MRI with Doppler were included. 4D flow MRI showed an underestimation with bias and 95% LoA of -0.09 (-0.41, 0.24) m/s (p=0.079) while 2D PC MRI showed a poorer agreement with a bias and 95% LoA of -0.25 (-0.53, 0.03), p=0.596. 4D flow MRI and 2D PC MRI showed a strong correlation with R=0.80 (95% CI 0.75, 0.84; p<0.001) and R=0.83 (95% CI 0.79, 0.87; p<0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, 4D flow MRI provides improved assessment of peak velocity when compared with traditional 2D PC MRI. 4D flow MRI can be considered an important complement or substitute to Doppler echocardiography for peak velocity assessment.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of community health education for the prevention and control of retransmission of imported malaria in Zhangjiagang City]

OBJECTIVE

To increase the awareness of malaria prevention and control among people going abroad and returners, so as to prevent the local retransmission of oversea imported malaria.

METHODS

Health education interventions for malaria control were given to people going abroad and returners in communities, and the changes of malaria prevention and control knowledge and medical-seeking behaviors were observed among the target populations.

RESULTS

There were 367 people going abroad and oversea returners from malaria-endemic areas in Zhangjiagang City from July 2018 to December 2019, and 18 imported malaria cases were found. Following the implementation of community health education, the awareness of malaria prevention and control knowledge increased significantly from 35.09% to 93.08% among the target populations (χ² = 78.130, P < 0.01), and the proportions of carrying anti-malarial drugs and administration of anti-malarial drugs for emergency treatment increased from 12.14% and 11.46% to 26.79% and 26.79% (χ² = 8.793 and 9.834, P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the mean duration from malaria onset to the definitive diagnosis reduced from (5.86 ± 4.45) days to (3.11 ± 1.28) days (U = 64.000, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Community health education based on the precision community administration is an effective approach for malaria control in current era.

CCAT2 contributes to progression and treatment resistance of thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to uncover the correlations of the expression of colon cancer associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) in the clinical papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) specimens with the prognosis and chemoresistance of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of CCAT2 in the PTC and ATC specimens was determined using Real-Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), and the correlations of CCAT2 expression with the clinical features of patients were detected via χ2 test. Besides, survival analysis was conducted to verify the relation between CCAT2 expression and patients' survival. After knockdown or overexpression of CCAT2, the changes in the proliferation ability of human thyroid carcinoma cells were examined via Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of doxorubicin and cisplatin were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay.

RESULTS

According to the χ2-test results, the expression of CCAT2 was notably correlated with the capsular invasion and lymph node metastasis of PTC, and the capsular invasion, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis of ATC. It was discovered through the survival analysis that the expression of CCAT2 was notably associated with the poor prognosis of ATC patients. After knockdown of CCAT2, both the proliferation ability and the IC50 values of doxorubicin and cisplatin substantially declined in human thyroid carcinoma cells. The opposite conditions were found after CCAT2 was overexpressed in human thyroid carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CCAT2 potentiates the proliferation ability and chemoresistance of cells, promotes the progression of thyroid carcinoma, and hinders the prognosis of ATC.

Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc degeneration via Wnt pathway

OBJECTIVE

Aberrant apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) is one of the most remarkable pathological changes in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) development. Albeit the advances in the application of stem cell-based therapy in IDD treatment, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-apoptotic actions of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) remain poorly elucidated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression patterns of apoptosis-related proteins and Wnt/β-catenin-related genes in NP samples isolated from patients with mild or severe IDD were compared by performing immunoblot assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. NPCs were in vitro treated with compression to induce apoptosis and then co-cultured with Wharton's Jelly-derived MSCs without direct interaction. After that, flow cytometry was carried out to detect the apoptosis rate of NPCs and the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was determined. DKK-1 was used to inhibit Wnt signaling, in prior to evaluation of the effects of WJ-MSCs on apoptosis within the co-cultured NPCs.

RESULTS

Compared to the mild IDD group, there was a significant increase in the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax in the NP tissues from severe IDD patients, whereas Bcl-2 displayed an opposite result. In addition, the expression of Wnt 3a, Wnt 5a, Wnt 10a, GSK-3β, cyclinD1 and β-catenin was notably augmented in parallel with IDD progression. After compression treatment, the proportion of apoptotic NPCs was increased, which was then dramatically reversed by WJ-MSCs co-culture. Likewise, WJ-MSCs suppressed compression-induced Wnt-related gene expression and blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway using DKK-1 enhanced the anti-apoptotic impacts of WJ-MSCs. In the presence of DKK-1, there was no significant difference between NPCs co-cultured with WJ-MSCs and those cells cultured alone.

CONCLUSIONS

WJ-MSCs attenuate the compression-induced apoptosis in NPCs and inhibit the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway further facilitates the actions of WJ-MSCs in anti-apoptosis, indicating that Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in this process and may function as a potential therapeutic target for IDD treatment.

Menaquinone-7 protects astrocytes by regulating mitochondrial function and inflammatory response under hypoxic conditions

OBJECTIVE

Astrocytes play a key role in hypoxic brain injury. The aim of our research was to determine the effects of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a subtype of vitamin K2 (VK2), on astrocytes during hypoxia and its potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Astrocytes from the palliums of newborn Sprague Dawley rats were cultured. An astrocyte-hypoxia model was established using a hypoxia workstation. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and BrdU assays were used to determine the effects of MK-7 on hypoxic astrocytes. 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) or dihydroethidium (DHE) assays were conducted to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An ATP assay was used to measure intracellular ATP production. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines containing interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and CXC-chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), as well as vitamin K-dependent protein growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), were determined in hypoxia-induced astrocytes, in the presence or absence of MK-7 pretreatment. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown Gas6 expression to determine its role in hypoxic astrocytes pretreated with MK-7.

RESULTS

Hypoxia reduced astrocyte viability and proliferation significantly; however, when pretreated with MK-7, these conditions remarkably increased. MK-7 also inhibited hypoxia-induced ROS production and enhanced ATP generation of hypoxic astrocytes. Pretreatment with MK-7 effectively reduced the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, and CXCL10 but enhanced the expression of Gas6 in hypoxic astrocytes. Gas6 inhibition markedly attenuated the decline in MK-7-induced ROS generation and IL-6 expression, and weakened MK-7-induced cell viability and ATP production in hypoxic astrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to confirm that MK-7 can protect astrocytes from hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity, possibly by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Gas6 may also participate in these protective effects.

[Psychoactive substances use in men who have sex with men in China: an internet based survey]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of psychoactive substances use in men who have sex with men (MSM) and its related risk factors. Methods: From July to December 2019, MSM in 6 provinces were recruited from social MSM organizations in communities. The inclusion criteria were male, age ≥18 years, having had sex with men or male homosexuality, voluntary participation and informed consent. Data collected through an anonymous self-filled online questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior and psychoactive substance use. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine factors correlated with psychoactive substances use. Results: A total of 2 616 MSM were included in the study. Overall, 32.2% (841/2 616) of MSM had ever used at least one psychoactive substances, of whom 92.4% (777/841) were Rush users and 14.4% (121/841) were multi drug users. Rush and tryptamine were used the most (79.7%,98/121). After adjusting the influence of province, factors associated with psychoactive substances use included age <35 years (<25: OR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.02-1.61; 25-34: OR= 1.34, 95%CI: 1.08-1.67) , active sexual role preference (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.22-1.77), having non-regular partners in last sex (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.01-1.45) and use of tobacco products in the past 6 months (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.06-1.56). Conclusions: Psychoactive substances like Rush are popular among MSM, especially in the younger ones. MSM who played active sexual role, had non-regular sex partners and used tobacco also reported higher level of psychoactive substance use. Our findings suggest the urgent need for precise and comprehensive interventions to control the use of psychoactive substances and related hazards in young MSM.

Correlated Dirac Eigenvalues and Axial Anomaly in Chiral Symmetric QCD

We introduce novel relations between the derivatives [∂^{n}ρ(λ,m_{l})/∂m_{l}^{n}] of the Dirac eigenvalue spectrum [ρ(λ,m_{l})] with respect to the light sea quark mass (m_{l}) and the (n+1)-point correlations among the eigenvalues (λ) of the massless Dirac operator. Using these relations we present lattice QCD results for ∂^{n}ρ(λ,m_{l})/∂m_{l}^{n} (n=1, 2, 3) for m_{l} corresponding to pion masses m_{π}=160-55  MeV and at a temperature of about 1.6 times the chiral phase transition temperature. Calculations were carried out using (2+1) flavors of highly improved staggered quarks with the physical value of strange quark mass, three lattice spacings a=0.12, 0.08, 0.06 fm, and lattices having aspect ratios 4-9. We find that ρ(λ→0,m_{l}) develops a peaked structure. This peaked structure arises due to non-Poisson correlations within the infrared part of the Dirac eigenvalue spectrum, becomes sharper as a→0, and its amplitude is proportional to m_{l}^{2}. We demonstrate that this ρ(λ→0,m_{l}) is responsible for the manifestations of axial anomaly in two-point correlation functions of light scalar and pseudoscalar mesons. After continuum and chiral extrapolations we find that axial anomaly remains manifested in two-point correlation functions of scalar and pseudoscalar mesons in the chiral limit.

LncRNA HANR aggravates the malignant progression of glioma via targeting miRNA-335

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to uncover the role of lncRNA HANR in the progression of glioma and the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HANR expression level in 36 matched glioma tissues and adjacent non-tumoral tissues was determined by qRT-PCR. The relationship between HANR expression and pathological indexes of the glioma patients was analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was introduced to investigate the survival of glioma patients. After the knockdown of HANR, the proliferative, migratory, and invasive changes of U251 and SHG44 cells were determined. Bioinformatics and Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay were applied to predict and verify the downstream target of HANR, respectively. Furthermore, the rescue experiments were conducted to clarify the role of HANR/miRNA-335 regulatory loop in the progression of glioma.

RESULTS

HANR was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Glioma patients with a high expression level of HANR presented remarkably higher rates of lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis, as well as worse prognosis. The silence of HANR remarkably attenuated the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of U251 and SHG44 cells. MiRNA-335 was the direct target of HANR and was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues. Meanwhile, the miRNA-335 level was negatively regulated by HANR. In addition, the knockdown of miRNA-335 partially reversed the regulatory effects of HANR on cellular behaviors of glioma.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA HANR is upregulated in glioma, which is closely correlated with metastasis and poor prognosis of glioma patients. In addition, HANR aggravates the progression of glioma by negatively regulating miRNA-335.

Brain Α-Tocopherol Concentration is Inversely Associated with Neurofibrillary Tangle Counts in Brain Regions Affected in Earlier Braak Stages: A Cross-Sectional Finding in the Oldest Old

Objectives

Higher vitamin E status has been associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, evidence of the association of vitamin E concentration in neural tissue with AD pathologies is limited.

Design

The cross-sectional relationship between the human brain concentrations of α- and γ-tocopherol and the severity of AD pathologies - neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) and neuritic plaque (NP) - was investigated.

Setting & Participants

Brains from 43 centenarians (≥ 98 years at death) enrolled in the Phase III of the Georgia Centenarian Study were collected at autopsy.

Measurements

Brain α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations (previously reported) were averaged from frontal, temporal, and occipital cortices. NP and NFT counts (previously reported) were assessed in frontal, temporal, parietal, entorhinal cortices, amygdala, hippocampus, and subiculum. NFT topological progression was assessed using Braak staging. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the relationship between tocopherol concentrations and NP or NFT counts, with and without adjustment for covariates.

Results

Brain α-tocopherol concentrations were inversely associated with NFT but not NP counts in amygdala (β = -2.67, 95% CI [-4.57, -0.79]), entorhinal cortex (β = -2.01, 95% CI [-3.72, -0.30]), hippocampus (β = -2.23, 95% CI [-3.82, -0.64]), and subiculum (β = -2.52, 95% CI [-4.42, -0.62]) where NFT present earlier in its topological progression, but not in neocortices. Subjects with Braak III-IV had lower α-tocopherol (median = 69,622 pmol/g, IQR = 54,389-72,155 pmol/g) than those with Braak I-II (median = 72,108 pmol/g, IQR = 64,056-82,430 pmol/g), but the difference was of borderline significance (p = 0.063). γ-Tocopherol concentrations were not associated with either NFT or NP counts in any brain regions assessed.

Conclusions

Higher brain α-tocopherol level is specifically associated with lower NFT counts in brain structures affected in earlier Braak stages. Our findings emphasize the possible importance of α-tocopherol intervention timing in tauopathy progression and warrant future clinical trials.

Circ_0005075 stimulates the proliferation and metastasis of glioma via downregulating SIRT1

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to uncover the potential influence of circ_0005075 on the malignant progression of glioma and the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Circ_0005075 level in glioma tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The relation between circ_0005075 expression and metastasis of glioma patients was analyzed. Prognostic potential of circ_0005075 in glioma was assessed by calculating overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). After knockdown or overexpression of circ_0005075, changes in the viability, migration, and wound closure percentage of T98-G and U87 cells were examined, respectively. Subsequently, expression pattern and prognostic value of SIRT1 in glioma patients were determined. Furthermore, the involvement of SIRT1 in glioma progression affected by circ_0005075 was evaluated through rescue experiments.

RESULTS

Circ_0005075 was significantly up-regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Meanwhile, its expression level was significantly higher in glioma patients with lymphatic metastasis or distant metastasis when compared with those with negative metastasis. OS and PFS were both remarkably worse in glioma patients with high expression level of circ_0005075. Knockdown of circ_0005075 decreased the viability, migration, and wound closure percentage of T98-G cells. However, overexpression of circ_0005075 in U87 cells yielded the opposite trends. SIRT1 expression level was negatively regulated by circ_0005075 in glioma. QRT-PCR results demonstrated that SIRT1 was significantly down-regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. High level of SIRT1 predicted better prognosis of glioma patients. Rescue experiments confirmed that SIRT1 was responsible for the regulatory role of circ_0005075 in the malignant progression of glioma.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0005075 is up-regulated in glioma tissues and correlated with distant metastasis and poor prognosis of glioma patients. Furthermore, it aggravates the malignant progression of glioma by down-regulating SIRT1.

MiR-30a-3p promotes ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats via targeting SFRP1

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of miR-30a-3p on osteoporosis in rats after ovariectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was established to mimic postmenopausal osteoporosis. The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) isolated from female rats were transfected with mimic or inhibitor. Real Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to examine the expressions of miR-30a-3p and osteoporosis-related proteins. The bone mineral density (BMD) was detected via micro-Computed Tomography (CT) and the bone histomorphometry was performed. Luciferase assay was also performed to confirm whether SFRP1 is a target of miR-30a-3p.

RESULTS

According to micro CT, BMD significantly declined in OVX group. MiR-30a-3p and SFRP1 were negatively correlated after ovariectomy. SFRP1 was acknowledged as a target of miR-30a-3p. Besides, the miR-30a-3p inhibitor promoted osteogenic differentiation in vitro and bone formation in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-30a-3p inhibitor promotes bone formation through decreasing SFRP1 expression and miR-30a-3p may be a potential novel molecular target in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Circular RNA circ_0067934 functions as an oncogene in glioma by targeting CSF1

OBJECTIVE

The importance of circular RNAs in malignant tumors increases the attention of researchers. The role of circ_0067934 in glioma remains unclear. Our study aims to uncover how circ_0067934 functions in glioma development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to determine the level of circ_0067934 in glioma tissues. Circ_0067934 was knocked down in glioma cells. Cell migrated and invaded ability was detected through functional assay in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanism assays were performed to explore the potential targets of circ_0067934.

RESULTS

The circ_0067934 was highly expressed in glioma tissues compared with adjacent samples. The expression of circ_0067934 was upregulated in glioma cell lines. The cell migrated and invaded ability of glioma cells was inhibited after circ_0067934 was knocked down. Besides, CSF1 expression was decreased via knockdown of circ_0067934. Furthermore, tumor metastasis was inhibited after circ_0067934 was knocked down in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The circ_0067934 could suppress cell migration and invasion of glioma by upregulating CSF1.

[The role of time-series propagation map and activity path of confirmed cases in the analysis and determination of COVID-19 epidemic]

Objective: The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track were used to explain the chain of transmission, describe the characteristics of transmission and analyze the mode of epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia, so as to provide evidence for the relevant government departments to carry out epidemic prevention and control. Methods: The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track table were drawn, according to the time of incidence, age, sex, number of close contacts and their interrelations. Results: At the end of February 10, 2020, 63 COVID-19 cases were reported in the research area. Among them, 57 cases were confirmed (1 deaths) and 6 cases were asymptomatic, 57 cases were imported cases (90.48%), 36 cases were reported by cluster epidemic (57.14%) among friends and relatives. Cases have been spread to the fourth generation. Conclusion: The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track showed that, in the research area, the epidemic situation of COVID-19 was mainly caused by imported case, and the clustering transmission was the major spread model. The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track are worth popularizing in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases.

MiR-532-5p acts as a tumor suppressor and inhibits glioma cell proliferation by targeting CSF1

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have discovered a class of micro-RNAs (miRNAs), which are dysregulated in various tumors and associated with carcinogenesis. In our research, we aim to uncover the molecular functions of miR-532-5p in glioma development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect miR-532-5p expression in 48 glioma samples and 4 glioma cell lines. The Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the association of miR-532-5p expression with several clinicopathological indexes in glioma patients. Besides, cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, and Ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay were performed to explore in vitro effects of miR-532-5p on glioma cells. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-532-5p and CSF1 in glioma was studied by performing Western blot assay and Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay.

RESULTS

Downregulated miR-532-5p expression was observed in glioma tissues compared with adjacent normal samples. MiR-532-5p expression was associated with the KPS score and tumor grading in glioma patients. Moreover, cell proliferation of glioma was inhibited after overexpression of miR-532-5p in vitro. Furthermore, CSF1 was a target of miR-532-5p in glioma. After overexpression of miR-532-5p, CSF1 was downregulated at mRNA and protein levels in vitro Besides, the expression of CSF1 in glioma tissues was negatively related to that of miR-532-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant phenotypes of glioma cells were remarkably suppressed through the overexpression of miR-532-5p. MiR-532-5p/CSF1 axis was identified as a new therapeutic intervention for the treatment of glioma.

MicroRNA-204-5p targets SOX11 to regulate the inflammatory response in spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether microRNA-204-5p can regulate the inflammatory response of spinal cord injury (SCI) by targeting SOX11.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of microRNA-204-5p in patients with SCI. The mouse SCI model was established to detect the recovery of the grip strength of the upper and lower limbs. Then, the expression of microRNA-204-5p in these mice with SCI was detected by qRT-PCR, and the levels of the inflammatory factors Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and iNOS were examined by Western blot. Subsequently, microRNA- 204-5p was overexpressed in the mouse SCI model using lentivirus, and the changes in mouse grip strength and the inflammatory factor levels were observed. SOX11 was then searched as the target gene of microRNA-204-5p through bioinformatics analysis, and its expression in patients or mice with SCI was examined using qRT-PCR. SOX11 expression was again detected after the overexpression or knockdown of microRNA-204-5p in cells. The binding of microRNA-204-5p to SOX11 was verified by dual-luciferase reporting assay. After microRNA-204-5p and SOX11 were co-overexpressed in cells, the levels of TLR4 and iNOS were analyzed. Furthermore, the changes in the grip strength were observed in mice with SCI after simultaneous up-regulation of microRNA-204-5p and SOX11.

RESULTS

Micro-204-5p level was conspicuously decreased in the population with SCI. And the SCI mouse model showed that the upper and lower limb strength conspicuously decreased and began to recover after 7 days. During the seven days, microRNA-204-5p level in the SCI mice decreased with time, while the levels of the inflammatory cytokines TLR4 and iNOS conspicuously increased. After microRNA-204-5p was overexpressed in SCI mice, their upper and lower limb strength was conspicuously restored, while the levels of TLR4 and iNOS were also remarkably decreased. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that there exist some binding sites between microRNA-204-5p and SOX11, and we found that SOX11 expression was conspicuously enhanced in the plasma of the SCI patients. Meanwhile, the SOX11 level in SCI mice was also conspicuously increased, and it was time-dependent. The expression of SOX11 was decreased after the upregulation of microRNA-204-5p, while the opposite result was observed after the downregulation of microRNA-204-5p. In addition, the result of the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that microRNA-204-5p could bind to SOX11 in a targeted manner. Meanwhile, the up-regulation of SOX11 was partially relieved by the inhibitory effect of microRNA-204-5p on TLR4 and iNOS. Moreover, the simultaneous overexpression of SOX11 and microRNA-204-5p partially reversed the impact of the up-regulated microRNA-204-5p alone on the recovery of the upper and lower limb strength in SCI mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The low expression of microRNA-204-5p in patients with SCI can affect the levels of the inflammatory cytokines TLR4 and iNOS and improve SCI by targeting SOX11.

Circular RNA circ_0067934 functions as an oncogene in glioma by targeting CSF1

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Circular RNA circ_0067934 functions as an oncogene in glioma by targeting CSF1, by X.-L. Cui, X.-D. Wang, S.-K. Lin, C.-M. Miao, M. Wu, J.-G. Wei, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (19): 8449-8455-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201910_19157-PMID: 31646575" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/19157.

DPSCs Attenuate Experimental Progressive TMJ Arthritis by Inhibiting the STAT1 Pathway

Severe inflammation, progressive cartilage, and bone destruction are typical pathologic changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis and lead to great difficulty for treatment. However, current therapy is inefficient to improve degenerative changes in progressive TMJ arthritis. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on severe inflammatory TMJ diseases. Progressive TMJ arthritis in rats was induced by intra-articular injection of complete Freund's adjuvant and monosodium iodoacetate. DPSCs were injected into the articular cavity to treat rat TMJ arthritis, with normal saline injection as control. Measurement of head withdrawal threshold, micro-computed tomography scanning, and histologic staining were applied to evaluate the severity of TMJ arthritis. Results showed that local injection of DPSCs in rats with TMJ arthritis relieved hyperalgesia and synovial inflammation, attenuated cartilage matrix degradation, and induced bone regeneration. Inflammatory factors TNF-α and IFN-γ were elevated in progressive TMJ arthritis and partially decreased by local injection of DPSCs. MMP3 and MMP13 were elevated in the arthritis + normal saline group and decreased in the arthritis + DPSCs group, which indicated amelioration of matrix degradation. The isolated primary synoviocytes were cocultured with DPSCs after inflammatory factors stimulated to explore the possible biological mechanisms. The expression of MMP3 and MMP13 in synoviocytes was elevated after TNF-α and IFN-γ stimulation and partially reversed by DPSC treatment in the in vitro study. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) was activated by inflammatory stimulation and suppressed by DPSC coculture. The upregulation of MMP3 and MMP13 triggered by inflammation was blocked by STAT1-specific inhibitor, suggesting that STAT1 regulated the expression of MMP3 and MMP13. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the possible therapeutic effects of local injection of DPSCs on progressive TMJ arthritis by inhibiting the expression of MMP3 and MMP13 through the STAT1 pathway.

Expression of miR-31 in rectal cancer patients and its effect on proliferation ability of rectal cancer cells SW837

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the expression of miR-31 in rectal cancer patients and its effect on the proliferation and invasion ability of human rectal cancer cells SW837.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

55 rectal cancer cancerous tissue specimens and 55 corresponding adjacent tissue (tissue adjacent to carcinoma) specimens were collected from rectal cancer patients treated in The First Hospital of Jilin University from March 2014 to March 2015. Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for detecting the expression level of miR-31 in cancerous tissue and corresponding adjacent tissues. Differences in the expression of miR-31 were compared between the two groups. Different miR-31 expression vectors were established and rectal cancer cells SW837 were transfected. MTT was used for detecting the proliferation ability of the cells in the miR-31-mimics group, miR-31-inhibitor group and miR-control group.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-31 was significantly higher in rectal cancer tissues than that in the adjacent tissues (p<0.05). The expression of miR-31 was higher in the miR-31-mimics group (23.6±4.6) than that in the miR-control group (1.63±0.65), while the expression of miR-31 was lower in the miR-31-inhibitor group (0.65±0.23) than that in the miR-control group. The proliferation ability of cells at the 6th, 12th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours was higher in the miR-31-mimics group than in the miR-31-inhibitor group, while that of cells was significantly lower in the miR-31-inhibitor group than in the miR-control group, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The number of invasive membrane cells (cell membrane number) counted under a microscope was (84.2±10.6) cells in the miR-31-mimics group, (12.3±4.1) cells in the miR-31-inhibitor group, and (45.2±10.6) cells in the miR-control group. The invasion ability in vitro of SW837 cells significantly increased after the overexpression of miR-31 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

miR-31 is increasingly expressed in rectal cancer. Low expression of miR31 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion ability of the cells. MiR-31 is expected to become a current biotherapeutic target.

Effects of fat type and emulsifier in feed on growth performance, slaughter traits, and lipid metabolism of Cherry Valley ducks

A 2-factor test design was used to investigate the effect of an emulsifier (Aldo®, Lonza, America) (200 g/t) in the diet of Cherry Valley meat ducks to replace some of 2 different oils (animal fat and vegetable oil) on meat production performance, slaughter traits, and fat metabolism. The 900 healthy 18-day-old ducks were grouped into 6 treatments, each with 5 replicates and 30 meat ducks per replicate. The 2 fat sources were established as a positive control group, a negative control group (positive control group-some oil (equivalent to metabolic energy of 50 kcal/ton)), and an emulsifier group (negative control group + 200 g/ton Aldo). The results showed that addition of different fat sources in feed had no significant effect on growth performance, carcass properties, and fat metabolism of 18- to 42-day-old meat ducks (P > 0.05). Reducing the amount of oil used in the feed lowered the growth performance, carcass properties, and affected fat metabolism of meat ducks. However, in feeds with 2 fat sources, some oils were replaced by adding Aldo without affecting growth performance and carcass properties of meat ducks, and improved their fat metabolism, reduced triglycerides (TG) in serum, and increased activity of lipoprotein and hepatic lipases in liver and of pancreatic lipase. Thus, addition of Aldo to a low fat diet could improve growth performance, carcass quality, and lipid metabolism, and promote digestion and absorption of fat for meat ducks.

[Experimental study on the improvement of Ilizarov transverse tibial bone transport and microcirculation reconstruction technique]

Objective: To observe the effect of traditional and modified Ilizarov transverse tibial bone transport on microvascular regeneration of lower limbs in dogs. Methods: After general anesthesia on 10 experimental dogs, traditional and modified transverse tibial bone transport were performed on both tibias respectively. The control group was treated with the traditional method (the periosteum and bone flap were completely isolated), while the experimental group was treated with the modified method (the fibular periosteum of the open window bone flap was retained). All the external fixators were pulled outwards at a speed of 1 mm every day from 5 days after operation;after one week, the external fixators were moved back every 3 days for one week. The situation of wounds and activity of lower limbs were observed. Simultaneously, the angiogenesis was observed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) through femoral artery at different stages, and the density of vascular endothelial cells measured by local tissue sections. The data before and after the operation were compared with paired t test. Results: The operation was successfully completed in 10 experimental dogs, and all wounds healed about 1 week after the operation. There was no significant abnormality in lower limb movements in all dogs. Peripheral blood vessel area in middle leg of lower limb in 4 weeks and 8 weeks after operation was (5.9±0.4) mm(2) and (6.9±0.6) mm(2) in control group and it was (6.2±0.6) mm(2) and (8.0±0.6) mm(2) in experimental group, respectively; all were significantly improved than those before the operation ((5.0±0.4) mm(2), (4.9±0.4) mm(2), respectively) (F=446.457, 829.192, both P<0.05). There was no significant differences in vessel area between the two groups at the 4th week after operation (t=1.216, P=0.240), but there was significant difference at the 8th week after operation between the two groups (t=4.423, P=0.000). The percentage of vascular endothelial cells in stained cells under endoscopy was 4.42%±0.28% and 5.63%±0.53% in the control group at the 8th week; and in the experimental group, it was 5.35%±0.26% and 7.18%±0.25%, respectively;all were significantly elevated than those before the operation; and there were significant differences between the two groups (t=7.35, 8.30, both P<0.05). Conclusion: Transverse tibial bone transport and microvascular network regeneration technology can reconstruct the microvasculature below the calf of dogs; the method of window-opening osteotomy is improved to "door" type window-opening, it can retain the lateral periosteum of tibial crest and regenerate the microvasculature network more abundantly.

MiR-223 promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting Foxo3a expression

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRs) are proven to possess diversified functions in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases. The current study is designed aiming at determining the effect of miR-223 on oxidative stress induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI) was constructed, and endogenous level of miR-223 in the border zone of infarcted heart tissues was determined. Primarily cultured cardiomyocytes were exposed to H2O2 treatment to mimic the oxidative stress stimulation. Multiple approaches including quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), cell viability assay, luciferase assay, Western blot assay and flow cytometry assay were employed to determine its expression, function and mechanism in apoptosis.

RESULTS

MiR-223 expression was significantly upregulated in the border zone of infarcted heart ventricular tissues and in cardiomyocytes treated with H2O2. Overexpression of miR-223 in cardiomyocytes promoted apoptosis, whereas inhibition of endogenous miR-223 protected cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress induced apoptosis. MiR-223 directly targets the 3'untranslated region (UTR) of Foxo3a mRNA. Overexpression of miR-223 inhibited Foxo3a protein expression, however, inhibition of miR-223 suppressed its expression. Silencing Foxo3a using small interfering RNA (siRNA) mimicked the effect of miR-223, indicating its functional significance.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-223 is an important regulator of cardiomyocyte apoptosis under oxidative stress. Inhibition of the miR-223/Foxo3a signaling axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiac injuries.

MicroRNA-129-3p suppresses tumor growth by targeting E2F5 in glioblastoma

OBJECTIVE

Neuroma is the most common intracranial tumor. The mechanism of miRNA in glioma has gradually been understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of MicroRNA-129-3p (miR-129-3p) in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma (GBM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Differential expression of miR-129-3p in samples was analyzed by bioinformatics. PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-129-3p in samples. CCK8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. Transfection of mimic and inhibitor altered the expression of miR-129-3p, and the biological function of miRNA was explored. Luciferase reporter gene was used to detect target genes of miRNA. E2F5 expression was inhibited by transfection of small interfering RNAs. Western blotting was used to detect protein expressions of cells.

RESULTS

miR-129-3p was low-expressed in the tissue samples. By transfecting mimic and the inhibitor, we found that increasing the expression of miR-129-3p can inhibit the cell viability. In contrast, inhibition of miR-129-3p promoted cell growth. Luciferase reporter gene and Western blot results suggested that E2F5 can be used as the target gene of miR-129-3p. Knockdown the target gene of the miR-129-3p, E2F5, also inhibited proliferation of glioblastoma.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-129-3p can inhibit the growth of glioblastoma by down-regulating the expression of E2F5. miR-129-3p can be a new target for the treatment of glioblastoma. Our research provides new ideas for the target therapy of glioma.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of high-risk neuroblastoma with bone marrow metastasis in children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of newly treated high-risk group neuroblastoma (NB) patients with bone marrow metastasis and to explore the prognostic factors. Methods: The clinical features (sex, age, stage, risk group, pathological type, metastatic site, etc.) of 203 newly treated high-risk NB patients with bone marrow metastasis admitted to Hematology Oncology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2007 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 118 males (58.1%) and 85 females (41.9%). Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and Cox regression was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results: The age at onset of the 203 patients was 41 months (9-147 months). The metastatic sites at diagnosis were as follows: bone in 195 cases (96.1%), distant lymph nodes in 104 cases (51.2%), skull and endomeninx in 61 cases (30.0%), orbit in 30 cases (14.8%), pleura in 16 cases (7.9%), liver in 13 cases(6.4%), canalis spinalis in 13 cases (6.4%), other sites in 11 cases (5.4%) and skin and soft tissue in 10 cases (4.9%). In all, 194 cases were enrolled for prognostic analysis. The follow-up time was 36 months (1 day-138 months) , and the 5-years event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 36.1% and 39.7%, respectively. A total of 118 patients (60.8%) had events (first relapse or death) with the time to event occurrence was 15 months (1 day-72 months), whereas 112 patients (57.7%) died with the event occurrence to death time was 3 months (1 day-21 months). There was no significant difference in 5-years OS between radiotherapy group and non-radiotherapy group (42.3% vs. 38.3%, χ(2)=3.671, P=0.055). The 5-years OS in transplantation group was significantly better than the non-transplantation group (44.3% vs. 35.5%, χ(2)=8.878, P=0.003), and the radiotherapy combined transplantation group also had a better 5-years OS rate than the non-radiotherapy combined transplantation group (45.8% vs. 37.3%, χ(2)=5.945, P=0.015). Univariate survival analysis showed lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 1 500 U/L, the amplification of MYCN, the metastatic sites of orbit, canalis spinalis and pleura were associated with poor prognosis of newly diagnosed high-risk NB patients (χ(2)=21.064, 13.601, 3.998, 6.183, 15.307, all P<0.05). The amplification of MYCN and the metastatic sites of pleura were risk factors for prognosis of newly diagnosed high-risk NB patients by Cox regression models (HR=1.896,1.100, 95%CI: 1.113-3.231, 1.020-1.187, both P<0.05). Conclusions: The prognosis is unfavorable in high-risk group NB patients with BM metastasis. Radiotherapy combined with transplantation can further improve the prognosis of these patients. The amplification of MYCN and the metastatic sites of pleura were the poor prognostic factors for high-risk NB patients with bone marrow metastasis.

[Analysis of aluminum content in unprocessed grains from different areas of China]

Objective: To investigate the aluminium content in unprocessed grains from different areas of China. Methods: From June 2013 to December 2014, nine provinces (Jilin, Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu) were selected as sampling areas using stratified random sampling method. Three cities, counties or townships were randomly selected from each sampling area. Grain stations, grain depots, planting areas or farmers' markets located in non-aluminium mining areas or non-aluminium-involved industrial pollution areas were selected from each sampling area using a purposive sampling method. A total of 470 unprocessed grain samples (500 g per sample) including wheat, rice, corn, millet and soybean were collected from local grain stations, grain depots, planting areas and farmers' markets. The dried grains samples were analysed for aluminium content by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Bootstrap resampling method was applied to calculate the upper bound values of 95%CI of P(99) of aluminium contents for each kind of grain, which could be regarded as levels of concern for corresponding categories. Results: A total of 454 grain samples, including 109 wheat samples, 111 rice samples, 78 corn samples, 69 millet samples and 87 soybean samples, were used for analysis after excluding outlier values. There were 420 positive samples with detected aluminium and the overall detection rate was 92.5%. Among them, the aluminium contents were high in wheat and soybean with median values about 9.59 and 7.12 mg/kg, and maximum values about 31.55 and 28.80 mg/kg, respectively. The median and maximum values of aluminium contents in corn were about 4.65 and 26.79 mg/kg. Aluminium contents were low in rice and millet, with median values about 1.49 and 2.21 mg/kg, and maximum values about 7.56 and 8.07 mg/kg, respectively. Based on Bootstrap resampling method, the upper bound values of 95%CI of P(99) of aluminium contents in wheat, soybean, corn, rice and millet were 29.86, 28.80, 26.79, 7.56 and 8.07 mg/kg, respectively, which could be regarded as levels of concern for corresponding grains. Conclusion: Aluminium has been detected in most unprocessed grains. The accumulation of aluminium varies in different grains species.