Context memory formed in medial prefrontal cortex during infancy enhances learning in adulthood

Adult behavior is commonly thought to be shaped by early-life experience, although episodes experienced during infancy appear to be forgotten. Exposing male rats during infancy to discrete spatial experience we show that these rats in adulthood are significantly better at forming a spatial memory than control rats without such infantile experience. We moreover show that the adult rats' improved spatial memory capability is mainly based on memory for context information during the infantile experiences. Infantile spatial experience increased c-Fos activity at memory testing during adulthood in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but not in the hippocampus. Inhibiting prelimbic mPFC at testing during adulthood abolished the enhancing effect of infantile spatial experience on learning. Adult spatial memory capability only benefitted from spatial experience occurring during the sensitive period of infancy, but not when occurring later during childhood, and when sleep followed the infantile experience. In conclusion, the infantile brain, by a sleep-dependent mechanism, favors consolidation of memory for the context in which episodes are experienced. These representations comprise mPFC regions and context-dependently facilitate learning in adulthood.

Plasma metabolomics reveals risk factors for lung adenocarcinoma

Background

Metabolic reprogramming plays a significant role in the advancement of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), yet the precise metabolic changes remain incompletely understood. This study aims to uncover metabolic indicators associated with the progression of LUAD.

Methods

A total of 1083 subjects were recruited, including 670 LUAD, 135 benign lung nodules (BLN) and 278 healthy controls (HC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify and quantify plasma metabolites. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to determine LUAD risk factors, and machine learning algorithms were utilized to differentiate LUAD from BLN.

Results

High levels of oxalate, glycolate, glycine, glyceric acid, aminomalonic acid, and creatinine were identified as risk factors for LUAD (adjusted ORs>1.2, P<0.03). Remarkably, oxalate emerged as a distinctive metabolic risk factor exhibiting a strong correlation with the progression of LUAD (adjusted OR=5.107, P<0.001; advanced-stage vs. early-stage). The Random Forest (RF) model demonstrated a high degree of efficacy in distinguishing between LUAD and BLN (accuracy = 1.00 and 0.73, F1-score= 1.00 and 0.79, and AUC = 1.00 and 0.76 in the training and validation sets, respectively). TCGA and GTEx gene expression data have shown that lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a crucial enzyme involved in oxalate metabolism, is increasingly expressed in the progression of LUAD. High LDHA expression levels in LUAD patients are also linked to poor prognoses (HR=1.66, 95% CI=1.34-2.07, P<0.001).

Conclusions

This study reveals risk factors associated with LUAD.

Sleep Slow Oscillation-Spindle Coupling Precedes Spindle-Ripple Coupling During Development

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Sleep supports systems memory consolidation through the precise temporal coordination of specific oscillatory events during slow-wave sleep (SWS), i.e., the neocortical slow oscillations (SOs), thalamic spindles, and hippocampal ripples. Beneficial effects of sleep on memory are also observed in infants, although the contributing regions, especially hippocampus and frontal cortex, are immature. Here, we examined in rats the development of these oscillatory events and their coupling during early life.

METHODS

EEG and hippocampal local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded during sleep in male rats at postnatal days (PD)26 and 32, roughly corresponding to early (1-2 years) and late (9-10 years) human childhood, and in a group of adult rats (14-18 weeks, corresponding to ~22-29 years in humans).

RESULTS

SO and spindle amplitudes generally increased from PD26 to PD32. In parallel, frontocortical EEG spindles increased in density and frequency, while changes in hippocampal ripples remained non-significant. The proportion of SOs co-occurring with spindles also increased from PD26 to PD32. Whereas parietal cortical spindles were phase-locked to the depolarizing SO-upstate already at PD26, over frontal cortex SO-spindle phase-locking emerged not until PD32. Co-occurrence of hippocampal ripples with spindles was higher during childhood than in adult rats, but significant phase-locking of ripples to the excitable spindle troughs was observed only in adult rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate a protracted development of synchronized thalamocortical processing specifically in frontocortical networks (i.e., frontal SO-spindle coupling). However, synchronization within thalamocortical networks generally precedes synchronization of thalamocortical with hippocampal processing as reflected by the delayed occurrence of spindle-ripple phase-coupling.

Intraosseous schwannoma of the mandible: new case series, literature update, and proposal of a classification

Intraosseous schwannoma of the mandible is rare, with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The aims of this study were to report new cases of intraosseous schwannoma of the mandible and to propose a clinical classification, providing suggestions for treatment methods. The cases of 13 patients treated at the authors' hospital and 86 cases reported previously in the literature were reviewed. The most common clinical feature was facial swelling (60/93). The rate of cortical thinning or expansion was 44.8% (43/96); widening of the inferior alveolar nerve canal on radiographs was observed in 15 patients.

Rearing is critical for forming spatial representations in pre-weanling rats

Rearing, i.e., standing on the hind limbs in an upright posture, is part of a rat's innate exploratory motor program. Here, we examined in developing rats whether rearing is critical for the pup's capability to form spatial representations based on distal environmental cues. Pups (male) were tested at PD18, i.e., the first day they typically exhibit stable rearing, on a spatial habituation paradigm comprising a Familiarization session (with the pup exposed to an arena with a specific configuration of distal cues) followed, 3 h later, by a Test session where the pups were either re-exposed to the identical distal cue configuration (NoChange) or a changed configuration (DistalChange). In Experiment 1, rearing activity (rearing events, duration) decreased from Familiarization to Test in the NoChange pups but, remained elevated in the DistalChange group indicating that these pups recognized the distal novelty. Recognition of distal novelty was associated with increased c-Fos expression in hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) areas, compared with NoChange pups. Analysis of GAD67+ cells suggested a parallel increase in excitation and inhibition specifically in prelimbic mPFC networks in response to distal cue changes. In Experiment 2, the pups were mechanically prevented from rearing while still seeing the distal cues during Familiarization. Rearing activity in the Test session of these pups did not differ between groups that were or were not exposed to a changed distal cue configuration at Test. The findings evidence a critical role of rearing for the emergence of allocentric representations integrating distal space during early development.

Dual DNA recycling amplifications coupled with Au NPs@ZIF-MOF accelerator for enhanced electrochemical ratiometric sensing of pathogenic bacteria

Sensitive and accurate quantification of pathogenic bacteria is vastly significant to the related food safety. Herein, a sensitive ratiometric electrochemical biosensor was developed for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) based on dual DNA recycling amplifications and Au NPs@ZIF-MOF accelerator. Gold nanoparticles-loaded Zeolitic imidazolate metal-organic framework (Au NPs@ZIF-MOF) as electrode substrate possessed a large specific surface area for nucleic acid adsorption, and as an accelerator promoted the transfer of electrons. The strong recognition of aptamer to target S. aureus could initiate the padlock probe-based exponential rolling circle amplification (P-ERCA, as the first DNA recycling amplification), generating large numbers of trigger DNA strands. The released trigger DNA further activated the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA, as the second DNA recycling amplification) on electrode surface. Consequently, P-ERCA and CHA continuously brought about one target to many signal transduction, leading to an exponential amplification. To achieve the accuracy of detection, the signal ratio of methylene blue (MB) and ferrocene (Fc) (I_MB/I_Fc) was applied for intrinsic self-calibrating. Taking advantages of dual DNA recycling amplifications and Au NPs@ZIF-MOF, the proposed sensing system displayed high sensitivity for S. aureus quantification with a linear range of 5-10⁸ CFU/mL, and the limit of detection was 1 CFU/mL. Moreover, this system represented excellent reproducibility, selectivity, and practicability for S. aureus analysis in foods.

A dual-mode ratiometric aptasensor for accurate detection of pathogenic bacteria based on recycling of DNAzyme activation

Pathogenic bacteria have a significant impact on food safety. Herein, an innovative dual-mode ratiometric aptasensor was constructed for ultrasensitive and accurate detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) based on recycling of DNAzyme activation on gold nanoparticles-functionalized MXene nanomaterials (MXene@Au NPs). Electrochemiluminescent (ECL) emitter-labeled probe DNA (probe 2-Ru) containing the blocked DNAzyme was partly hybridized with aptamer and then captured by electrochemical (EC) indicator-labeled probe DNA (probe 1-MB) on electrode surface. When S. aureus presented, the conformation vibration of probe 2-Ru activated the blocked DNAzymes, leading to recycling cleavage of probe 1-MB and ECL tag close to electrode surface. Based on the reverse change tendencies of ECL and EC signals, aptasensor achieved S. aureus quantification from 5 to 10⁸ CFU/mL. Moreover, the self-calibration characteristic of the aptasensor with dual-mode ratiometric readout ensured the reliable measurement of S. aureus in real samples. This work showed useful insight into sensing foodborne pathogenic bacteria.

miR-338-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in lung squamous cell carcinoma by targeting FGFR2/FRS2

Background

Lung cancer refers to the occurrence of malignant tumors in the lung, and squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common pathological types of non-small cell lung cancer. Studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence, development, early diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. This study aimed to explore the role and possible mechanism of MicroRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC).

Method

In this study, we compared 238 LUSC patients with relatively high miR-338-3p expression levels with 238 miR-338-3p expression levels in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUSC dataset using first-line gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Second, the mRNA expression of miR-338-3p, FGFR2, and fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) in 30 lung cancers and adjacent lung tissues was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted, whereby the expression levels of miR-338-3p in lung cancer cells (H1703, SKMES1, H2170, H520) and normal lung epithelial cells (16HBE) were detected using qRT-PCR. miR-338-3p was overexpressed in lung cancer cells (H1703), and the cell proliferation (cell counting kit-8 [CCK8] assay), colony formation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle (BD-FACSVerse assay, Becton Dickinson, Bedford, MA, USA), cell invasion, and migration (Transwell assay, Thermo Fischer Corporation, Waltham, MA, USA) were detected.

Results

We found that the expression of miR-338-3p was significantly reduced in LUSC tissues (p ​< ​0.001) and cancer cell lines (P < 0.01), and miR-338-3p was significantly negatively correlated with the expression of FGFR2 (P < 0.001) and FRS2 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, overexpression of miR-338-3p inhibited proliferation (P < 0.001), migration, and invasion (P < 0.001) of LUSC cell lines and increased apoptosis in the G1 phase (P < 0.001) and cell cycle arrest (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that miR-338-3p inhibits tumor cell proliferation and migration by targeting FGFR2 and FRS2 in LUSC. We believe that miR-338-3p may be a promising target for the treatment of LUSC.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Remote Monitoring to Establish a Community Health Intervention During COVID-19: A Community Intervention Trial

Background: The widespread use of telemedicine systems and medical information networks has made telemedicine one of the current trends in health care. The purpose of this article is to propose a community health intervention with remote monitoring and teleconsultation during COVID-19 for the prevention and control of COVID-19 at the rural level. Methods: In this intervention study, a randomized group of 1,500 community residents was selected. A questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability was used to collect data. The study was conducted with the test group itself as a control, and the questionnaire was completed again 6 months after the health intervention through remote monitoring. The extent of the effect of the remote monitoring intervention on community health during COVID-19 was measured. The data were entered into SPSS 26, and the data were analyzed using the K-S normality test, t-test, and chi-square test. Results: After 6 months of the intervention, the differences in mean scores of the test group were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in cognition, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and behavioral outcomes, with a substantial increase in mean scores for all variables. Conclusions: The application of remote monitoring during COVID-19 in rural communities can influence the health perception, benefit perception, self-efficacy, and behavior of community residents, thus effectively preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 in rural communities. It reduces medical barriers for rural areas while meeting.

Long-term adjuvant administration of temozolomide impacts serum ions concentration in high-grade glioma

Background

Adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy with standard regimen remarkably improves survival in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG). However, the influence of long-term TMZ chemotherapy on serum ions concentration is unclear.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-eight patients with HGG were included. Their blood samples were collected for blood biochemistry and routine test. The alteration in serum ions concentration, total protein, albumin, globin, and blood cells counts were used to identify the impact of long-term TMZ chemotherapy.

Results

Through the comparation of quantitative value of diverse parameters among different chemotherapy cycles, we identified that serum potassium concentration had a downward trend after TMZ administration (1st vs. 6th, p < 0.001; 1st vs. 12th, p < 0.001). Additionally, the correlation analysis showed that platelets was negatively correlated with chemotherapy cycles (r = − 0.649, p = 0.023). The hematological adverse events mainly centered on grade 1 to 2.

Conclusion

Long-term administration of TMZ may lead to serum ions disturbance. Besides the myelosuppression, we should pay attention to the alteration in serum ions concentration, and give patients proper symptomatic treatment when necessary.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41016-022-00271-7.

Clinical outcomes of keratinized mucosa augmentation in jaws reconstructed with fibula or iliac bone flaps

This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the treatment outcomes of keratinized mucosa augmentation (KMA) on the buccal and palatal/lingual sides of implants in jaws reconstructed after oncological surgery. Forty-two implants in 12 patients whose jaws had been reconstructed with a fibula or iliac bone flap were included. KMA was performed at 3 months after implant placement; this included an apically displaced partial-thickness flap and a free gingival graft (FGG) around the implants to increase the keratinized mucosa width (KMW). Patients were followed up for at least 6 months post-surgery. KMW, shrinkage, and patient pain and discomfort measured on a visual analogue scale were analysed. A histological analysis was performed of tissue epithelium from two patients. The results showed that KMW was >2 mm on both the buccal and palatal/lingual sides during follow-up. Before surgery, histological analysis showed epithelium with no epithelial spikes; normal keratinized epithelial spikes were observed at 8 weeks after KMA. Greater KMW was observed around implants in reconstructed maxillae than around those in reconstructed mandibles (P < 0.001). Patients felt more pain at the donor site than at the recipient site during the first 3 days post-surgery. KMA with FGG was predictable in reconstructed jaws and may help maintain the long-term stability of implants.

Unfolding of spatial representation at systems level in infant rats

Spatial representations enable navigation from early life on. However, the brain regions essential to form spatial representations, like the hippocampus, are considered functionally immature before weaning. Here, we examined the formation of representations of space in rat pups on postnatal day (PD) 16, using a simple habituation paradigm where the pups were exposed to an arena on three occasions, separated by ~140 min. Whereas on the first two occasions the arena was the same, on the third "test" occasion either proximal cues (Prox group), or distal cues (Dist group), or proximal and distal cues (Prox-Dist group), or no cues (No-change group) were rearranged. Locomotion (distance traveled) was used as behavioral measure of habituation, and c-Fos expression to measure regional brain activity at test. Locomotion generally decreased across the first two occasions. At test, it reached a minimum in the No-change group, indicating familiarity with the spatial conditions. By contrast, the Prox-Dist group displayed a significant increase in locomotion which was less robust in the Prox group and absent in the Dist group, a pattern suggesting that the pups relied more on proximal than distal cues during spatial exploration. c-Fos activity in the No-change group was significantly suppressed in the hippocampus (CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus) but simultaneously enhanced in the prelimbic area (PL) of the medial prefrontal cortex, compared with untreated Home-cage controls, pointing to a possible involvement of the PL in regulating locomotion in familiar spaces. By contrast, in both Prox-Dist and Prox groups c-Fos activity was enhanced in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, suggesting these regions might be particularly involved in regulating exploration of spatial novelty. Our findings show that functional representations of space at a systems level are formed already in pre-weanling rats.

P–257 An unknown cause lead to polyspermy in IVF cycles and 0PN zygotes in ICSI cycles in male patient

Study question

The patient sperm has normal morphology and motility, which paternal factors cause the abnormal fertilization in IVF/ICSI and what is the underlying mechanism?

Summary answer

A genetic mutation of BEX1 and decreased PLC-zeta has been found in patient, which may provide novel insights of polyspermy and pronucleus formation during fertilization.

What is known already

In mammals, pronucleus formation, a landmark event for fertilization, is critical for embryonic development. Abnormal fertilization refers to the abnormal number of pronucleus and polar bodies in zygotes during in vitro fertilization, with an incidence of 5–15%, among which the incidence of polyspermy and 0PN is about 2–10% and 30%. However, the mechanisms underlying pronucleus formation still unclear. More research has focused on oocyte activation, while paternal relevant abnormal fertilizations have been rarely established. The mechanism of how sperm and/or substances carried by sperm influence the physiological process of fertilization is also unclear.

Study design, size, duration

In our study, we first work on the preliminary observation and analysis of sperm morphology, structure and sperm chromosome number, and then made further analysis at the genetic level to find out the cause of this particular phenotype in this patient. We use of zone-free golden hamster ova test the fertilizing capacity and rescue the pronucleus formation with SrCl2.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The patient, golden hamster, Papanicolaou stain, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), IVF, ICSI, Assisted Oocyte Activation (AOA).

Main results and the role of chance

During 2016–2018, they did 4 cycle assistant reproduction technology. Cycle1, conventional IVF(C-IVF), 9 MII oocytes, 9 3PN zygotes; Cycle2, ICSI, 10 MII oocytes, 10 0PN zygotes; Cycle3, donor-oocytes C-IVF, 6 MII oocytes, 6 3PN zygotes, and the donor did C-IVF get normal zygotes and embryos; Cycle4, donor-sperm C-IVF, 7 MII oocytes, 4 2PN zygotes, 3 useable embryos. Remarkably, clinical examination about male shows normal sperm semen parameters. Papanicolaou stain and SEM shows that the sperm of the patient has normal morphology. The TEM data shows that the spermatozoa with normal head morphology and intact 9 + 2 sperm flagella structure. In the sperm FISH analysis, Chromosome ploidy is haploid. We performed WES on the male, after exclusion of frequent variants and application of technical and biological filters, two homozygous missense mutations were identified in BEX1 (c.191G&gt;A [p. W64X]), which has been few reports of male infertility. The western blot result show that the PLC-zeta was decreased in patient. After 10mM SrCl2 assisted oocyte activation, the zygote has the pronucleus formation in ICSI.

Limitations, reasons for caution

At present, we only observe sperm related factors (morphology, structure, chromosome number, genetic mutation). Next step is to detect the substances sperm carried (e.g. RNA-seq, proteomics). In this case, what is of great concern to us is the inconsistencies of the abnormal fertilization during the conventional IVF and ICSI cycles.

Wider implications of the findings: Many studies of fertilization mechanism, the main focus is on the maternal cytoplasmic factors, such as the Ca 2+ release initiate the fast block of oocytes. There are few reports about abnormal fertilization due to sperm factors. Our case may offer new insights for the study of fertilization.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Integrated analysis of the genomic and transcriptional profile of high-grade gliomas in different age groups

BACKGROUND

Age is a powerful prognostic factor of high-grade glioma (HGG). However, the underlying genetic mechanisms of the discrepant prognosis among different age groups remain elusive.

METHODS

A total of 953 and 559 HGG patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohorts were enrolled and assigned as young, intermediate, elderly groups. The data of clinicopathological characteristics, mRNA, mutation, copy number alteration was analyzed.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis revealed that diverse biological processes including immune response are altered between the young and elderly groups. Combined with the analysis of infiltrating immune cells and immune checkpoints, our results suggest an immune suppression status in the elderly group. Patients from different age groups exhibit different mutation and copy number alteration profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

A multi-omics analysis is conducted to explore the biological basis of HGG patients of different age groups. This study suggests an immune-suppressive environment in elderly patients.

Circulating plasma microRNA signature for the diagnosis of cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the utility of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers in cervical cancer (CC).

METHODS

Some studies were conducted about the specific expression of plasma miRNAs in the diagnosis of CC. Plasma samples of 97 CC patients and 87 normal controls (NCs) were used to identify dysregulation of miRNAs in the training, testing, and external validation phases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of identified individual miRNAs and miRNA panels for the diagnosis of CC. Expression levels of specific miRNAs were also examined in plasma exosomes and tissue samples of CC patients.

RESULTS

Four plasma miRNAs (miR-146a-5p, miR-151a-3p, miR-2110 and miR-21-5p) which showed up-regulation were identified and validated in CC patients. A panel of the four miRNAs were constructed as potential diagnostic markers for CC. The AUCs of the panel of these four-miRNAs for the training, testing, and external validation phases were 0.911, 0.774, and 0.786, respectively. miR-146a-5p and miR-21-5p levels were all up-regulated in CC tissue specimens, whereas miR-146a-5p, miR-151a-3p, and miR-2110 levels were up-regulated in plasma exosomes.

CONCLUSION

The signature of the four-miRNAs identified in peripheral plasma is a promising novel biomarker for the diagnosis of CC.

Prognostic value of a nine-gene signature in glioma patients based on tumor-associated macrophages expression profiling

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are regarded as the most abundantly infiltrating immune cells around the tumor microenvironment in gliomas, which plays an important role in tumorgenesis and immunosuppression. A total of 216 patients diagnosed with primary glioma were obtained from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas of which the RNA sequencing data was used as training set. RNA sequencing from the Cancer Genome Atlas was applicated for validation. We found that mesenchymal subtype showed strong positive correlation with macrophage-related genes (MRGs) expression. Survival analysis showed that high expression level of MRG predicted poor prognosis. A TAM-based nine-gene signature was constructed, which divided the samples into high- and low-risk of unfavorable outcome. The result of Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor in gliomas. Hence, the expression of TAMs was correlated with patient survival. The nine-TAM-related gene signature can predict patient survival efficiently.

ACTR-14. A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY OF CONCURRENT CHEMORADIOTHERAPY WITH TEMOZOLOMIDE VERSUS RADIOTHERAPY ALONE IN PATIENTS WITH IDH WILD-TYPE/TERT PROMOTER MUTATION GRADE II/III GLIOMAS

Our previous data showed that WHO grade II/III gliomas with isocitrate dehydrogenase wide-type (IDH-wt) and telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation (TERTp-mut) have dismal prognosis as glioblastoma. This study compared concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CRT) with radiotherapy(RT) alone on the outcome of these patients. Between September 2016 and November 2018, 30 eligible grade II/III glioma patients with IDH-wt and TERTp-mut were randomly assigned to receive either RT (60 Gy in 30 daily fractions for 6 weeks) alone (n=15) or concurrent CRT with daily temozolomide and adjuvant temozolomide (n=15). The median follow-up duration was 15.5 months. The median age was 51 years (range, 24–66 years). The median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score at randomization was 80 (range, 60–80). Surgery was the primary treatment. The characteristics of the two treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. The 1-year OS rate was significant difference between CRT group (92.3%; 95% CI: 77.8–100) and RT alone group(71.1%; 95% CI: 47.0–95.2) (p = 0.019). Local, distant, and combined tumor recurrence patterns were observed in 4 (26.7%), 1 (6.7%), and 3 patients (20%) in the CRT group and 4 (26.7%), 3 (20%), and 3 patients (20%) in the RT alone group. Those treated with RT alone had shorter median PFS (9 vs 18 months, HR: 0.517; 95% CI: 0.193 to 1.386; p = 0.19). CRT with temozolomide and extent of resection were statistically significant predictors for survival on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that CRT was associated with a significantly better OS compared with RT alone (OR=0.195; 95% CI, 0.044 to 0.867; p=0.032). Consequently, concurrent CRT with daily temozolomide and adjuvant temozolomide for newly diagnosed IDHwt/TERTp-mut grade II/III gliomas had significantly better OS compared with RT alone. A large multi-center prospective randomized trial is warranted. The trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02766270).

miR-3622b-5p regulates cisplatin resistance of human gastric cancer cell line by targeting BIRC5

Many evidences showed that drug resistance of gastric cancer cells could be regulated by the abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression. Thus, we investigated the role of miR-3622b-5p in the development of cisplatin (DDP) resistance in human gastric cancer cell lines. A set of biochemical assays were used to elucidate the mechanism by which miR-3622b-5p regulates drug resistance in cancer cells. The expression of miR-3622b-5p was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and showed that miR-3622b-5p was significantly downregulated in the plasma of patients with acquired drug resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy for gastric cancer. miR-3622b-5p was also found significantly downregulated in DDP-resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/DDP, compared with the parental SGC7901 cells. An in vitro drug sensitivity assay showed that overexpression of miR-3622b-5p sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to DDP. The luciferase activity of reporters constructed by BIRC5 3′-untranslated regions in SGC7901/DDP cells suggested that BIRC5 was target gene of miR-3622b-5p. Ecpotic miR-3622b-5p expression in SGC7901/DDP cells significantly repressed the expression of the BIRC5 and sensitized the cells to DDP-induced apoptosis. By contrast, treatment with miR-3622b-5p inhibitor increased the protein expression of BIRC5 and led to a lower proportion of apoptotic cells in the SGC7901 cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that miR-3622b-5p regulates DDP resistance of human gastric cancer cells at least in part by repressing the expression of BIRC5. Altering miR-3622b-5p expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chemoresistance in gastric cancer in the future.

High expression of VAT1 is a prognostic biomarker and predicts malignancy in glioblastoma

Vesicle amine transport protein 1 (VAT1) has been reported as a pathogenic factor in a variety of tumors. VAT1 has been revealed to be upregulated in glioblastoma (GBM) and promotes cell migration. However, the possible mechanism of VAT1 in promoting malignant development in GBM is unclear. The present study applied transcriptome data and functional experiments to explore the exact role of VAT1. Kaplan‑Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to perform survival analysis. Furthermore, Gene Ontology analysis was used to analyze the biological implication of VAT1 expression. The in vitro experiment was performed to verify the hypothesis. The expression of VAT1 was detected in gliomas and control tissues. A functional experiment was performed and the sensitivity to TMZ was assessed after knocking down the expression of VAT1. In total, 120 patients with GBM were enrolled in the present study. The results of multivariate analysis revealed that VAT1 was an independent prognostic factor for survival. Patients with high VAT1 expression levels had shorter overall survival (P=0.009) and progression‑free survival (P=0.055) than those with low expression levels. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the genes which were positively associated with VAT1 were functionally involved in proteolysis, oxidation‑reduction processes and immune response. The results of functional experiments demonstrated that VAT1 exhibited high expression levels in GBM, which could be inhibited by microRNA‑218. Upon VAT1 knockdown, cell proliferation and migration were markedly suppressed, while the sensitivity toward temozolomide chemotherapy was enhanced. Thus, VAT1 expression was revealed to be a prognostic factor for GBM. High expression of VAT1 may promote cell proliferation, migration and temozolomide chemotherapy‑resistance, which may be a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult diffuse glioma-related epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Glioma-related epilepsy (GRE) is defined as symptomatic epileptic seizures secondary to gliomas, it brings both heavy financial and psychosocial burdens to patients with diffuse glioma and significantly decreases their quality of life. To date, there have been no clinical guidelines that provide recommendations for the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for GRE patients.

METHODS

In March 2017, the Joint Task Force for GRE of China Association Against Epilepsy and Society for Neuro-Oncology of China launched the guideline committee for the diagnosis and treatment of GRE. The guideline committee conducted a comprehensive review of relevant domestic and international literatures that were evaluated and graded based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence, and then held three consensus meetings to discuss relevant recommendations. The recommendations were eventually given according to those relevant literatures, together with the experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of over 3000 GRE cases from 24 tertiary level hospitals that specialize in clinical research of epilepsy, glioma, and GRE in China.

RESULTS

The manuscript presented the current standard recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of GRE.

CONCLUSIONS

The current work will provide a framework and assurance for the diagnosis and treatment strategy of GRE to reduce complications and costs caused by unnecessary treatment. Additionally, it can serve as a reference for all professionals involved in the management of patients with GRE.

Survivin is a prognostic indicator in glioblastoma and may be a target of microRNA-218

Accumulating evidence has revealed that survivin expression is associated with a malignant phenotype and poor prognosis in glioma. Survivin is also a potential target of microRNA (miRNA/miR)-218. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and function of survivin in glioblastoma, and to examine the association between survivin and miR-218. For that purpose, survivin mRNA levels were analyzed in 144 frozen samples of glioblastoma using whole-genome RNA sequencing. In vitro cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis assays were performed, and survivin expression was detected by western blotting. The results revealed that the mRNA expression levels of survivin were negatively and significantly associated with overall survival in glioblastoma. Further in vitro analyses suggested that miR-218 may inhibit the expression of survivin. Expression of miR-218 in the LN229 cell line was significantly lower than that in the immortalized human gliocyte HEB cell line. miR-218 markedly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacities, and decreased apoptosis. miR-218 also inhibited the expression of survivin. These results indicated that survivin may be a target of miR-218 and could serve as a predictive biomarker.

Ezrin, a Membrane Cytoskeleton Cross-Linker Protein, as a Marker of Epithelial Damage in Asthma

RATIONALE

Bronchial epithelial cell damage occurs in patients with bronchial asthma. Ezrin, a membrane-cytoskeleton protein, maintains cellular morphology and intercellular adhesion and protects the barrier function of epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES

To study the role of ezrin in bronchial epithelial cells injury and correlate its expression with asthma severity.

METHODS

Levels of ezrin were measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and serum in patients with asthma and BAL fluid (BALF) from a mouse model of asthma by ELISA. The regulation of IL-13 on ezrin protein levels was studied in primary bronchial epithelial cells. Ezrin knockdown using shRNA was studied in human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Ezrin levels were decreased in asthmatic EBC (92.7 ± 34.99 vs. 150.5 ± 10.22 pg/ml, P < 0.0001) and serum (700.7 ± 55.59 vs. 279.2 ± 25.83 pg/ml, P < 0.0001) compared with normal subjects. Levels were much lower in uncontrolled (P < 0.001) and partly controlled patients (P < 0.01) compared with well-controlled subjects. EBC and serum ezrin levels correlated with lung function in patients with asthma and serum ezrin levels were negatively correlated with serum IL-13 and periostin. IL-13-induced downregulation of ezrin expression in primary bronchial epithelial cells was significantly attenuated by the Janus tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, TG101348. Ezrin knockdown changed 16HBE cell morphology, enlarged intercellular spaces, and increased their permeability. Ezrin expression was decreased in the lung tissue and BALF of "asthmatic" mice and negatively correlated with BALF IL-13 level.

CONCLUSIONS

Ezrin downregulation is associated with IL-13-induced epithelial damage and might be a potential biomarker of asthma control.

Clinical characteristics associated with postoperative seizure control in adult low-grade gliomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Epilepsy is the most common symptom in patients with supratentorial low-grade gliomas (LGGs), which adversely affects the patient's quality of life. Poor seizure control with anti-epileptic therapy is an indication for surgery in these patients. Recent studies have sought to identify predictors of postoperative seizure control after surgical resection of LGG; gross total resection was shown to be a significant predictor in this respect. However, the prognostic value of other factors is not clear.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies with a combined study population of 2641 patients with LGG, in order to identify potential factors associated with favorable postoperative seizure control. Data were extracted on age and sex of patient, tumor location, tumor histology, type of seizure, seizure duration, extent of resection, and imaging characteristics.

Results

Patients ≥45 years of age achieved better postoperative seizure control (risk ratio [RR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99). Focal seizures were associated with poor seizure control (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.18-1.49) compared with generalized seizures (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87). Prolonged history of seizures (≥1 y) had a negative impact on postoperative seizure control (RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10-1.34). Gross total resection was superior to subtotal resection with respect to postoperative seizure control (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.63-0.73).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis identified predictors of postoperative seizure control in patients undergoing surgical resection of LGGs. Our results provide a reference for clinical treatment of LGG-related epilepsy.

A panel of seven-miRNA signature in plasma as potential biomarker for colorectal cancer diagnosis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in global. The differential expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in CRC plasma of patients have the potential to serve as a diagnostic biomarker. We conducted a four-stage study to identify the potential plasma miRNAs for CRC detection. In the initial screening phase, Exiqon panel (miRCURY-Ready-to-Use-PCR-Human-panel-I + II-V1.M) including 3 CRC pools and 1 normal controls (NCs) pool were applied to acquire miRNA profiles. In the training stage (30 CRC VS. 30 NCs) and testing stage (79 CRC VS. 76 NCs), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to conduct candidate miRNA profiles. Then the identified miRNAs were verified in external validation stage (30 CRC VS. 26 NCs). Expression levels of identified miRNAs were assessed in tissue samples (24 pairs) and plasma exosomes (18 CRC VS. 18 NCs). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. Seven miRNAs (miR-103a-3p, miR-127-3p, miR-151a-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-18a-5p and miR-18b-5p) were significantly overexpressed in CRC compared with NCs. Area under the ROC curve of the seven-miRNA signature was 0.762, 0.824 and 0.895 for the training, testing and the external validation stages, respectively. Additionally, miR-103a-3p, miR-127-3p, miR-17-5p and miR-18a-5p were discovered significantly up-regulated in CRC tissues; while miR-17-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-18a-5p and miR-18b-5p were significantly elevated in CRC plasma exosomes. In conclusion, we established a seven-miRNA signature in the peripheral plasma for CRC detection.

Identification of four plasma microRNAs as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of male lung squamous cell carcinoma patients in China

Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) might serve as biomarkers for LSCC diagnosis. The expression of miRNAs was performed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on the basis of Exiqon panels in the initial screening phase including three male LSCC pool samples and one normal control (NC) pool sample (per 10 samples were pooled as one pool sample). After the training (32 LSCC vs. 31 NCs), the testing (55 LSCC vs. 55 NCs), and the external validation (15 LSCC vs. 15 NCs) stages via qRT-PCR, a four-miRNA signature (miR-181a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-93-5p) was identified for LSCC detection. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the four-miRNA panel for the training, the testing, and the external validation phases were 0.795, 0.827, and 0.914, respectively. Then, the four miRNAs were explored in LSCC tissue samples (23 LSCC vs. 23 NCs), and their expression was significantly up-regulated. However, none of the four miRNAs found significantly up-regulated in plasma exosomes expect miR-93-5p with borderline significance (16 LSCC vs. 16 NCs). In summary, our study established a four-miRNA peripheral plasma signature, which contributed to diagnosing male LSCC patients in China to a certain degree.

Seizures at presentation are correlated with better survival outcomes in adult diffuse glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Seizures are the most common presenting sign of patients with diffuse glioma. In the current study, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the correlation of seizures at presentation to survival outcomes in adult diffuse glioma, and the possible mechanisms were also discussed.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate effects. Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were also evaluated.

RESULTS

11 studies with 2088 patients were finally included for the current meta-analysis. Seizure-free preoperatively was significantly associated with a poor overall survival in patients with diffuse glioma, the pooled HR was 1.73 (95% CI 1.43-2.08, Z = 5.71, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis was also performed by tumor grade, the same association was identified in both low-grade glioma (pooled HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.47-4.20, Z = 3.40, p < 0.001) and glioblastoma (pooled HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.68, Z = 5.24, p < 0.001). A significant correlation of seizure-free with a poor progression-free survival was also identified (pooled HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.92, Z = 2.33, p = 0.02), although only 3 studies comprising 368 patients were included.

CONCLUSION

The current study determined that seizures at presentation were an independent predictor of better survival outcomes in adult diffuse glioma. It is the first study which provides a comprehensive standardized assessment of the association between seizures at presentation with long-term survival outcomes in patients with diffuse glioma.

A six-microRNA panel in plasma was identified as a potential biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis

Differently expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma of lung adenocarcinoma (LA) patients might serve as biomarkers for LA detection. MiRNA expression profiling was performed using Exiqon panels followed by the verification (30 LA VS. 10 healthy controls (HCs)) with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the screening phase. Identified miRNAs were confirmed through training (42 LA VS. 32 HCs) and testing stages (66 LA VS. 62 HCs) by using qRT-PCR based absolute quantification methods. A total of six up-regulated plasma miRNAs (miR-19b-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-409-3p, miR-425-5p and miR-584-5p) were identified. The six-miRNA panel could discriminate LA patients from HCs with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.72, 0.74 and 0.84 for the training, testing and the external validation stage (33 LA VS. 30 HCs), respectively. All the miRNAs identified except miR-584-5p were significantly up-regulated in LA tissues. MiR-19-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-409-3p and miR-425-5p showed high expression in arterial plasma with borderline significance. Additionally, miR-19-3p, miR-21-5p and miR-221-3p were significantly up-regulated in exosomes extracted from LA peripheral plasma samples. In conclusion, we identified a six-miRNA panel in peripheral plasma which might give assistance to the detection of LA at least for Asian population to a certain extent.

Plasma microRNA signature of patients with IgA nephropathy

We looked for differentially expressed MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Forty-eight miRNAs were identified through the initial screening phase (2 IgAN pools vs. 1 normal control (NC) pool) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) based Exiqon panel (miRCURY-Ready-to-Use-PCR-Human-panel-I + II-V₁.M). By qRT-PCR, these miRNAs were further assessed in the training (32 IgAN VS. 31 NCs) and testing stages (51 IgAN VS. 51 NCs). The renal pathological lesions of patients with IgAN were evaluated according to Lee's grading system. We discovered a plasma miRNA signature including four up-regulated miRNAs (miR-148a-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-20a-5p and miR-425-3p) and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were 0.80 and 0.76 for the training and testing stage, respectively. The expression of the four miRNAs in IgAN grade I-II subgroups (according to Lee's grading system) was obviously higher than that in IgAN grade III-V (P < .05). In summary, the plasma expression of miR-148a-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-20a-5p and miR-425-3p were up-regulated in patients with IgAN, especially the early-stage disease. Further studies are needed to explore the roles of the four miRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of IgAN.

IDH1 mutation is associated with a higher preoperative seizure incidence in low-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Gliomas, particularly low-grade gliomas (LGGs), are highly epileptogenic. Seizure is the most common presenting sign of LGG patients and significantly decreases their quality of life. Accordingly, there is a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms and risk factors of glioma-related epilepsy. The current study aimed to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the correlation of isocitrate-dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), an important molecular biomarker for glioma classification and prognosis, to preoperative seizure incidence in LGG.

METHODS

PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. The odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as the primary measures to assess the correlation between IDH1 mutation and preoperative seizure incidence.

RESULTS

A total of 722 LGG patients, including 555 patients with IDH1 mutation and 167 patients with wild-type IDH1 were enrolled in the current meta-analysis. The pooled OR was 2.47 (95% CI 1.70-3.57, Z = 4.78, p < 0.01). No significant heterogeneity was observed among all included studies and no publication bias was identified.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis identified that IDH1 mutation was correlated to a higher preoperative seizure incidence in LGG. This result would generate impetus for research on the mechanisms behind this correlation, and provide a new idea for the individualized treatment of glioma-related epilepsy.

A panel of microRNA signature in serum for colorectal cancer diagnosis

Dysregulated expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum has been recognised as promising diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). In the initial screening phase, a total of 32 differentially expressed miRNAs were selected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) based Exiqon panel with 3 CRC pool samples and 1 normal control (NC) pool. Using qRT-PCR, selected serum miRNAs were further confirmed in training (30 CRC VS. 30 NCs) and testing stages (136 CRC VS. 90 NCs). We identified that serum levels of miR-19a-3p, miR-21-5p and miR-425-5p were significantly higher in patients with CRC than in NCs. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the three-miRNA panel were 0.86, 0.74 and 0.87 for the training, testing and the external validation stages (30 CRC VS. 18 NCs), respectively. Significantly, elevated expression of the three miRNAs was also observed in CRC tissues (n = 24). Furthermore, the expression levels of the three miRNAs were significantly elevated in exosomes from CRC serum samples (n = 10). In conclusion, we identified a serum three-miRNA panel for the diagnosis of CRC.

Targeting Lyn regulates Snail family shuttling and inhibits metastasis

The acquisition of an invasive phenotype by epithelial cells occurs through a loss of cellular adhesion and polarity, heralding a multistep process that leads to metastatic dissemination. Since its characterization in 1995, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been closely linked to the metastatic process. As a defining aspect of EMT, loss of cell adhesion through downregulation of E-cadherin is carried out by several transcriptional repressors; key among them the SNAI family of transcription factors. Here we identify for the first time that Lyn kinase functions as a key modulator of SNAI family protein localization and stability through control of the Vav-Rac1-PAK1 (Vav-Rac1-p21-activated kinase) pathway. Accordingly, targeting Lyn in vitro reduces EMT and in vivo reduces metastasis of primary tumors. We also demonstrate the clinical relevance of targeting Lyn as a key player controlling EMT; patient samples across many cancers revealed a strong negative correlation between Lyn and E-cadherin, and high Lyn expression in metastatic tumors as well as metastasis-prone primary tumors. This work reveals a novel pancancer mechanism of Lyn-dependent control of EMT and further underscores the role of this kinase in tumor progression.

GRK2 desensitizes flow-induced responses in osteoblasts

Bone desensitization after mechanical loading is essential for bone to adapt to its mechanical environment. However, the desensitization mechanism is unknown. Previous studies suggest that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including P2Y and parathyroid hormone receptors, play important roles in osteoblast mechanobiology. Thus, for the present research, we examined the role of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in osteoblast desensitization after exposure to mechanical stimulation. We first showed the existence of osteoblast desensitization after mechanical stimulation based on cytosol Ca²⁺ and phosphorylated ERK1/2 activities, detected using a fluorescent Ca²⁺-sensitive dye and western blotting, respectively. We then demonstrated that GRK2 overexpression in MC3T3-E1 cells inhibits flow-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, while siRNA knockdown of GRK2 enhances ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Additionally, we found that GRK2 overexpression in MC3T3-E1 cells inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression in the short term and alkaline phosphatase activity in the long term. More importantly, we discovered that GRK2 translocated to the cell membrane shortly after flow stimulation - a step necessary for GPCR desensitization. Previously, we have demonstrated that P2Y2 purinergic receptors, one type of GPCRs, are involved in various flow-induced osteoblastic responses. In this research, we also showed that GRK2 overexpression does not affect ATP release. Accordingly, GRK2 is able to inhibit flow-induced osteoblast responses possibly through desensitizing P2Y2 receptors.

A novel serum microRNA signature to screen esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been used as promising diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We performed miRNA expression profiling using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) based Exiqon panels from three ESCC pools and one normal control (NC) pool samples. Using qRT‐PCR, identified serum miRNAs were further confirmed in training (32 ESCC vs. 32 NCs) and testing stages (108 ESCC vs. 96 NCs). Consequently, five serum miRNAs (miR‐20b‐5p, miR‐28‐3p, miR‐192‐5p, miR‐223‐3p, and miR‐296‐5p) were significantly overexpressed in ESCC compared with NCs. The diagnostic value of the 5‐miRNA signature was validated by an external cohort (60 ESCC vs. 60 NCs). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of the 5‐miRNA signature were 0.753, 0.763, and 0.966 for the training, testing, and the external validation stages, respectively. The expression levels of the miRNAs were also determined in tissues, arterial serum, and exosomes. MiR‐20b‐5p, miR‐28‐3p, and miR‐192‐5p were significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues, while miR‐296‐5p was overexpressed in ESCC serum exosomes. In conclusion, we identified a 5‐miRNA signature in serum for the detection of ESCC.

A point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infection in fifty-two Chinese hospitals

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) represents a major problem for patient safety worldwide.

AIM

To demonstrate the prevalence, causative agents, and risk factors for HCAI in Chinese hospitals.

METHODS

A one-day point-prevalence survey was conducted in 52 Chinese hospitals between October 2014 and March 2015. A web-based software system was developed for data entry and management.

FINDINGS

Among 53,939 patients surveyed, the prevalence of patients with at least one HCAI was 3.7%. Of 2182 HCAI episodes, the most frequently occurring types were lower respiratory tract infections (47.2%), followed by urinary tract infection (12.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (11.0%), and surgical site infection (6.2%). The prevalence of patients with at least one HCAI in critical care units was highest (17.1%). Device-associated infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, and central catheter-associated bloodstream infection, accounted for only 7.9% of all HCAIs. The most frequently isolated micro-organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa [206 infections (9.4%)], Acinetobacter baumannii [172 infections (7.9%)], Klebsiella pneumoniae [160 infections (7.3%)], and Escherichia coli [145 infections (6.6%)]. Of the survey patients (18,206/53,939), 33.8% were receiving at least one antimicrobial agent at the time of the survey. Risk factors for HCAI included older age (≥80 years), male gender, days of hospital admission, admission into a critical care unit, and device utilization.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the overall prevalence of HCAI in surveyed Chinese hospitals was lower than that reported from most European countries and the USA. More attention should be given to the surveillance and prevention of non-device-associated HCAI in China.

MiR-28-3p as a potential plasma marker in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVES

Circulating miRNAs have been reported to have potential in detecting various diseases. However, few studies explored differentially expressed miRNAs in plasma of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). Our study is to identify plasma miRNAs which can serve as potential biomarkers of PE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Exiqon miRCURY Ready-to-Use PCR Human panel I+II V1.M was conducted to identify differently expressed miRNAs in pooled plasma samples of PE patients compared with normal controls. Expressions of identified miRNAs were assessed in 37 PE patients as well as matched normal individuals followed by validation on six Beagle dogs by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Twelve miRNAs were identified from the screening phase. Moreover, miR-134, previously reported related with PE, and hypoxia-induced miR-210 were also submitted to the validation phase. Only miR-28-3p was found significantly elevated in the plasma of PE patients. Compared with the level of plasma miR-28-3p of the dogs before PE, the elevated miR-28-3p did not alter significantly at 1, 2, 4 and 6h after PE. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of plasma miR-28-3p was 0.792 (95% confidence interval: 0.689-0.896). KEGG pathway analysis showed that miR-28-3p might involve in PE related pathways such as inositol phosphate metabolism and phosphatidylinositol signaling system.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that elevated plasma miR-28-3p could be used as a non-invasive and stable biomarker in the detection of PE. Further researches on the miRNA are warranted.

miR-1271 regulates cisplatin resistance of human gastric cancer cell lines by targeting IGF1R, IRS1, mTOR, and BCL2

Numerous studies showed that drug resistance of gastric cancer cells could be modulated by the abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) which target multiple cell signaling pathways. The possible function of miR-1271 in the formation of cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells has been investigated in this study. miR-1271 was significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and various gastric cancer cell lines. Moreover, it was down-regulated in the cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/cisplatin (DDP) and the down-regulation of miR-1271 in SGC7901/DPP cells was accompanied by the up-regulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)/insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) pathway-related proteins, i.e., IGF1R, IRS1, serine/threonine-protein kinase mTOR (mTOR), and the apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (BCL2), compared with the parental SGC7901 cells. Over-expression of miR-1271 sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to cisplatin. Changes in the luciferase activity of reporter constructs harboring the 3'-untranslated region of the above proteins in SGC7901/DDP cells suggested that IGF1R, IRS1, mTOR, and BCL2 were target genes of miR-1271. Enforced miR-1271 expression repressed the protein levels of its targets, inhibited proliferation of SGC7901/DDP cells, and sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to DDP-induced apoptosis. Overall, on the basis of the results of our study, we proposed that miR-1271 could regulate cisplatin resistance in human gastric cancer cells, at least partially, via targeting the IGF1R/IRS1 pathway.

Involvement of miR-143 in cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer cells via targeting IGF1R and BCL2

We investigated the possible role of miR-143 in the development of cisplatin resistance in human gastric cancer cell line. miR-143 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cisplatin resistance changes of cells was tested via MTT assay. Target genes of miR-143 were verified by dual-luciferase activity assay. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, cell proliferation, and clonogenic and apoptosis assay were used to elucidate the mechanism of miR-143 in cisplatin resistance formation. miR-143 was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. It was also downregulated in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/cisplatin (DDP), which was concurrent with the upregulation of IGF1R and BCL2, compared with the parental SGC7901 cell line, respectively. Overexpressed miR-143 sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to cisplatin. The luciferase activity suggested that IGF1R and BCL2 were both target genes of miR-143. Enforced miR-143 reduced its target proteins, inhibited SGC7901/DDP cells proliferation, and sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to DDP-induced apoptosis. Our findings suggested that hsa-miR-143 could modulate cisplatin resistance of human gastric cancer cell line at least in part by targeting IGF1R and BCL2.